Question

The Indian Constitution mandates that the Indian state be secular. According to the Constitution, the Indian state can realize its objectives by following-

1. that one religious community does not dominate another.

2. the state does not enforce any particular religion.

Which among the above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Both 1 and 2

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

• The Indian Constitution mandates that the Indian state be secular.
• According to the Constitution, only a secular state can realize its objectives to ensure the following :-
  • that one religious community does not dominate another
  • that some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community
  • that the State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals
• All statements are correct.

• As per the constitution, the Indian state is not ruled by a religious group and nor does it support any one religion.
• Indian state adopts a strategy of noninterference. This means that in order to respect the sentiments of all religions and not interfere with religious practices, the State makes certain exceptions for particular religious communities.
• The Indian Constitution bans untouchability in order to prevent the religion-based exclusion and discrimination of ‘lower castes’.