Question

The Indian State do both activities, keeping away from religion as well as intervening in religion. This idea can be quite confusing. Discuss this once again in class using examples from the chapter as well as those that you might have experienced.

Answer 1

• The Indian State keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion. This idea is quite confusing, but can be explained on the following basis-
• It allows Sikh citizens to wear turbans and thereby exempt them from the use of helmets but it also disallows government schools from celebrating any particular religious festival.
• There can be considered a situation in which state intervention is observed. Sometimes, interventions are vague. For example, the state interfered in the sacrifice rituals of Hindus but allowed Muslims to perform the sacrifice.​
• Whereas, Annual holidays are given with regard to all religious festivals equally without any religious discrimination.
• India is a secular country, that provides equality to all religions. The Indian State follows the principle of Non-Interference in Religious matters, but it can intervene in case of violation of Fundamental Rights given to the Citizens..