Question

The Indian Constitution mentions that the state shall not have an official religion. Which value of the Indian Constitution are we referring to here? When was the term incorporated into the Preamble?

Answer 1

Instructions:
Identify the value. Briefly explain the 42nd amendment act of the constitution. Explain what secularism means.

Solution:

• The constitutional value being talked about here is secularism.
  
• The term ‘secular' was incorporated in the Preamble through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976.
  
• It emphasizes the fact that constitutionally, India is a secular country and has no ‘state religion.
  
• The constitution directs the state to recognise all religions and not favor or patronise any particular religion.
  
• In simple words, secularism means the separation of religion from political state.
  
• Religion is treated as a purely personal matter. All citizens are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their religion.