Tavleen Singh Critiques Growing Intolerance and Threat to Secularism

Tavleen Singh warns against rising religious intolerance, fearing it could 'cancel' India's secular fabric.

UPSC●SSC

Tavleen Singh Critiques Growing Intolerance and Threat to Secularism

Photo by Batu Gezer

Quick Revision

India is a secular country as per its Constitution

Recent incidents of religious intolerance are highlighted

Editorial Analysis

Tavleen Singh is highly critical of the rising religious intolerance in India, viewing it as a dangerous trend that undermines the country's constitutional secularism and social harmony. She calls for political leadership to actively counter this trend.

Main Arguments:

There is a growing climate of religious intolerance in India, evidenced by attacks on minority festivals and practices.
This intolerance is a direct threat to India's secular identity, which is enshrined in its Constitution.
The political leadership's silence or tacit approval of such acts emboldens extremist elements.
Undermining religious freedom and pluralism will lead to societal fragmentation and instability.

Conclusion

India must actively defend its secular values and protect the religious freedom of all communities to prevent further societal division and uphold its constitutional principles.

Policy Implications

The editorial implicitly calls for stronger governmental action to curb religious extremism, protect minority rights, and reinforce constitutional secularism through policy and public discourse.

Exam Angles

Constitutional provisions related to secularism (Preamble, Fundamental Rights - Articles 25-28)

Basic Structure Doctrine and secularism

Challenges to communal harmony and national integration

Role of the state and political leadership in upholding constitutional values

Distinction between Indian and Western models of secularism

Judicial pronouncements on religious freedom and secularism

View Detailed Summary

Summary

Tavleen Singh, in her 'Fifth Column' editorial, expresses deep concern over the escalating religious intolerance in India, particularly targeting minority communities. She highlights incidents where religious festivals and practices are being questioned or disrupted, leading to a climate of fear and division. Singh argues that this trend, if unchecked, threatens the very secular fabric of India, which has historically prided itself on diversity and peaceful coexistence.

She criticizes the silence or complicity of political leadership in addressing these issues, warning that such actions undermine the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and could lead to severe societal fragmentation. The editorial serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding secular values in a pluralistic democracy.

Background

India has historically prided itself on its secular fabric, enshrined in its Constitution. The concept of secularism in India, often described as 'principled distance' or 'positive secularism,' differs from the Western model of strict separation of church and state. It allows the state to intervene in religious matters for social reform and ensures equal respect for all religions. This vision was a cornerstone for a diverse, pluralistic nation post-independence.

Latest Developments

The editorial highlights a concerning trend of escalating religious intolerance, particularly targeting minority communities. Incidents of questioning or disrupting religious festivals and practices are creating a climate of fear and division. There is a perceived silence or complicity from political leadership, which, according to the editorial, threatens constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and could lead to severe societal fragmentation.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the concept of 'Secularism' in India: 1. The term 'Secular' was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. 2. The Supreme Court of India has held that Secularism is a part of the 'Basic Structure' of the Constitution and cannot be amended. 3. Unlike Western secularism, the Indian model maintains a 'principled distance' from all religions, allowing state intervention in religious affairs for social reform. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added the words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' to the Preamble. Statement 2 is correct: In the S.R. Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court explicitly declared secularism as a part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution, following the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) which established the Basic Structure doctrine. Statement 3 is correct: Indian secularism is characterized by a 'principled distance' where the state can intervene in religious matters to ensure social justice and equality (e.g., abolishing untouchability, opening temples to all castes), unlike the strict separation in some Western models. Thus, all three statements are correct.

2. In the context of religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

A.Article 25 guarantees freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice, and propagate religion to all persons, including non-citizens.
B.The State can make laws providing for social welfare and reform or throwing open Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.
C.Religious denominations have the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, and to manage their own affairs in matters of religion, without any state interference.
D.The freedom to practice religion under Article 25 is subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions relating to Fundamental Rights.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement A is correct: Article 25 applies to all persons, citizens and non-citizens alike. Statement B is correct: This is explicitly mentioned in Article 25(2)(b), reflecting the reformist aspect of Indian secularism. Statement D is correct: Article 25 clearly states that the rights are subject to public order, morality, health, and other Fundamental Rights. Statement C is NOT correct: While Article 26 grants religious denominations rights to manage their own affairs in matters of religion, these rights are also subject to public order, morality, and health. The phrase 'without any state interference' makes this statement incorrect, as the state can impose reasonable restrictions on these grounds.