Controversy Surrounds 'Secular, Socialist' Label: SC's consistent upholding of Preamble Amendment highlighted
The current debate surrounding the inclusion of the terms "secular" and "socialist" in India's Constitution Preamble is a complex discourse that delves into the historical, political, and constitutional dimensions of the nation.
**Historical and Constitutional Context:**
Originally, the words "secular" and "socialist" were not part of the 1950 Preamble. They were added during the 42nd Amendment in 1976, under the Emergency period initiated by Indira Gandhi’s government. In a landmark 2020 ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the inclusion of both terms, interpreting secularism as a principle where the State does not support or oppose any religion, but respects all faiths equally. Socialism was interpreted as the pursuit of economic and social justice, aiming to prevent disadvantage due to economic or social status without restricting private enterprise.
**Political Implications and Debate:**
The debate has resurfaced multiple times in recent years, often led by Hindu nationalist groups like the RSS and some BJP leaders, who argue that "secular" and "socialist" reflect Western impositions that do not align with India's indigenous culture and heritage. They propose India should be recognised primarily as a Hindu nation, where secularism—traditionally the separation of religion and state—becomes irrelevant.
Conversely, critics and constitutional experts consider this debate "sterile and puerile," emphasising that socialism and secularism reflect India's commitment to socio-economic justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity as enshrined in other provisions of the Constitution. The socialist aspect aligns with ideals of equitable resource distribution and trusteeship, which echo Gandhian philosophy.
**Constitutional and Social Implications:**
Retaining "secular" in the Preamble ensures the State continues to maintain neutrality among religions, a foundational principle supporting religious pluralism in India’s diverse society. The socialist element underscores the State’s role in ensuring social and economic justice, aiming to uplift marginalized sections without undermining economic freedoms.
Dropping these terms could signify a constitutional shift towards favouring a particular religious identity and economic ideology, potentially impacting India's pluralistic and democratic fabric. The ongoing debate over the 'secular' and 'socialist' in the Preamble is causing tension between constitutional originalism and the basic structure doctrine.
In summary, the debate touches on deep historical legacies, with Hindu nationalist factions pushing for a redefinition of India’s identity aligned with Hindu culture, while the constitutional establishment and judiciary uphold the inclusive, secular, and socialist ethos as vital to the nation’s democratic and social justice commitments.
[1] The Wire, "The RSS, BJP and the Idea of a Hindu Rashtra," https://thewire.in/politics/the-rss-bjp-and-the-idea-of-a-hindu-rashtra [2] The Indian Express, "Secularism: A Debate That Never Ends," https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/secularism-debate-rajdeep-sardesai-7502664/ [3] The Hindu, "The RSS's Idea of India," https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-rsss-idea-of-india/article25213283.ece [4] The Print, "Why the BJP Wants to Erase 'Secular' and 'Socialist' from India's Preamble," https://theprint.in/india/why-the-bjp-wants-to-erase-secular-and-socialist-from-indias-preamble/553472/
- The ongoing debate over the inclusion of 'secular' and 'socialist' in India's Constitutional Preamble extends into the realm of policy-and-legislation, with discussions revolving around the balance between the State's role in ensuring social justice and economic growth, as well as maintaining religious neutrality.
- The ongoing argument over the 'secular' and 'socialist' in India's Preamble has profound implications for the nation's political discourse, as it tests the boundaries between upholding Indigenous traditions and adhering to global norms of general-news, such as secularism, socialism, and democratic principles.
