Indian Secularism - A Road to Religious Equality? The Indian Constitutional Assembly Debates and Thereafter

Abstract

The interpretation of ‘Secularism’ as a concept, is contextually contingent. The mechanisms developed for its practice varies in the West and in India. Indian Constitution makers thoroughly deliberated on how the Indian model of secularism should be framed to suit India’s unique socio-political circumstances. This paper intends to look into why India chose to adopt the principle of secularism in the first place. It analyses the Constitutional Assembly Debates surrounding the adoption of the idea and practice of secularism. It further analyses the evolved brand of Indian Secularism. Lastly, it critically examines the associated challenges of Indian secularism and the prospects for religious equality in secular India.