Constitutional Foundations and Political Dynamics of Secularism in India

Abstract

Secularism in India represents a unique constitutional philosophy that distinguishes itself from Western models by embracing all religions equally rather than separating religion from the State entirely. This paper aims to examine the constitutional foundations of secularism as embedded in the Indian Constitution and to critically analyse the political dynamics that have shaped, challenged, and redefined secularism in post-independence India. The study adopts a doctrinal legal research methodology, relying on primary sources including constitutional provisions, landmark judicial pronouncements of the Supreme Court of India, parliamentary debates, and statutory enactments, supplemented by secondary sources such as authoritative legal commentaries, journal articles, and government reports published up to 2022. The findings reveal that while the constitutional framework provides a robust foundation for secularism, political instrumentalisation of religion has consistently tested its boundaries, leading to judicial interventions that have both strengthened and complicated the secular mandate. Indian secularism remains a contested but constitutionally resilient principle whose survival depends on judicial vigilance, political accountability, and civic engagement.