ABSTRACT

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution aims to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist,
Secular, Democratic, Republic. The terms Socialist and Secular were added in the constitution by
the 42nd Amendment. The concept of Secularism is one facet of the Right to Equality woven as
the central golden thread depicting the enhancement of the law and order of the society which
would result in Public order, morality and sovereignty of the nation. The word religion is
nowhere defined in the Constitution. And conclusively, the Supreme Court of India, in several
cases has provided a liberal definition to the term. The Constitution of India under article 25
says, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess,
practice, and propagate religion subject to public order, morality and health, while under article
26 says that all denominations can manage their own affairs in matters of religion. It is a matter
of controversy whether the right to freedom of religion provided under article 25 and 26 is
absolute or subject to certain limitations. The present paper aims at analyzing the concept and
practice of secularism. In achieving this aim, this paper will be focusing on the interpretation of
secularism, at both social as well as political stage, and also its practice and application in these
areas. For this purpose, the paper would be adopting a blend of analytical and descriptive
approach combined with doctrinal research methodology.

KEYWORDS: Secularism, Religion, Freedom of Religion