RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND INDIAN CONSTITUTION-AN OVERVIEW

Today, in the light of experiencing division of the citizen among different religious group across the country, a debate on 'secularism' appears to be extremely important. It is to be noted that the challenge of communalism in Indian society is not a new fact or event in the society. It is rather disconcerting and shameful that, even after more than 70 years of independence the situation is not so favorable. Even the Constitution of India clearly declares that India is secular country, but it has nothing to add in practicality and the situation remains the same as it was before the insertion of the word ‘secular’ in the Constitution. By safeguarding countrywide harmony, unity and dignity, the concept of secularism is integrated into the advancement of democracy. The Constitution of India for the establishment of secular communities, incorporated relevant provisions. For instance, Article 15 provides that state shall not distinguish on the basis of religion, color, caste, gender, place of birth against any person. Further, under Part III of the Indian Constitution, Article 25 provides right to freedom of religions to all the person including citizens and non-citizens. The concerned article provides that every person (whether citizens or not) is entitled to practice and promote his religion without any restrictions. Similarly, article 30 provides to build religious educational institution by the minorities. Article 28 demonstrates that no religious institutions shall be made by the help of state funds and thus restrict the interference of the state in religious affairs to some extent. In this review paper, the researcher will discuss the concept of the word Secularism, their history and meaning in different jurisdictions. Further, the researcher will discuss the existence of the secularism under the Indian Constitution. At last the researcher will discuss the importance of the secularism in India and challenges accorded in implementing the concept.