Secularism implies the separation of religion from the State and equal treatment of all faiths.
While the Indian Constitution follows the Principled Distance Model, the US Constitution establishes a strict wall of separation between religion and the State.
India as a Secular State
Constitutional Basis: Secularism is enshrined in the Preamble (added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976) and Articles 25-28 ensuring freedom of religion.
Objective: To promote religious harmony and inclusive coexistence in a multi-faith society.
Core Features:
Freedom of conscience and religion (Art. 25).
Right to manage religious affairs (Art. 26).
Freedom from religious instruction in State institutions (Art. 28).
State neutrality and equal respect for all religions.
Positive Secularism: The State can intervene in religion to uphold social reform and equality-e.g., Abolition of untouchability (Art. 17), Temple Entry Acts, S.R. Bommai (1994) upheld secularism as a basic feature.
Similarities with US secularism
Constitutional Guarantee: India – Articles 25-28, US – First Amendment (1791).
No State Religion: Neither India nor the US recognizes any official State religion.
Religious Freedom: Citizens enjoy freedom of conscience, belief, and worship in both countries.
Equality Before Law: Both uphold non-discrimination on religious grounds and equal protection under law (India – Art. 14; US – 14th Amendment).
Judicial Enforcement: The Supreme Courts in both countries act as guardians of secular principles (S.R. Bommai, Everson v. Board).
Protection from Religious Domination: Both prevent majoritarian religious influence over State policy.
Democratic Pluralism: Both promote tolerance, coexistence, and religious pluralism as part of democratic ethos.
Differences
Both India and the US uphold freedom of religion, but their approaches differ-India’s secularism is inclusive and reformative, suited to its plural society, while the US model is exclusionary and separationist, reflecting its individualist liberal tradition.