A SECULAR STATE: UPSC Daily Important Topic | 30 January 2022

January 30, 2022

A SECULAR STATE

◇ The Constitution of India stands for a Secular State. Hence, it does not uphold any particular religion as the official religion of the Indian State.

□ The following provisions of the Constitution reveal the secular character of the Indian State:-

• The term ‘secular’ was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.

• The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of belief, Faith and worship.

• The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection of the laws (Article 14).

• The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on the ground of religion (Article 15).

• Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of public employment (Article 16).