2.3.2. Objective 2: That some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community

The Indian Constitution mandates that the Indian State be secular. According to the Constitution, only a secular State can realise its objectives to ensure the following:

1. that one religious community does not dominate another;
2. that some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community;
3. that the State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals.

This chunk highlights the importance of ensuring equal treatment of all religious communities within a secular state. It states that no religion should dominate others, and within each religion, no group of people should feel superior to others. This is fundamental to providing a fair and balanced society where everyone can practice their beliefs freely without fear of oppression or favoritism.

For example, in a school, if one group of students tries to impose their beliefs on others—like making everyone celebrate a specific religious holiday—this can create divisions and feelings of unfairness. Just like in the school context, the broader society needs laws that ensure no single group can dominate or pressure others in their religious expressions.

The Indian State works in various ways to prevent the above domination. First, it uses a strategy of distancing itself from religion. The Indian State is not ruled by a religious group and nor does it support any one religion.

The state maintains a distance from religious matters, implying that it does not take sides or privilege any faith over another. This separation is crucial in ensuring that personal beliefs do not influence governmental decisions or policies, thereby promoting a platform where all citizens can express their religious identity equally.

Consider a public park where people are allowed to celebrate their own festivals freely, but the park authorities do not favor one over the others. Everyone can share their joy without feeling alienated, just like how the state should function.

In order to respect the sentiments of all religions and not interfere with religious practices, the State makes certain exceptions for particular religious communities.

This concept refers to the idea that the state should avoid interfering heavily in the personal rituals and practices of various religions, allowing them to continue unimpeded unless they infringe on the rights of others. This strategy helps in maintaining harmony among diverse religious groups.

Imagine celebrating a cultural event where everyone wears traditional attire. A state that does not interfere allows everyone to express their cultural identities freely. This respect for individual practices fosters unity in diversity.

The Indian Constitution bans untouchability. In this instance, the State is intervening in religion in order to end a social practice that it believes discriminates and excludes.

While the state maintains a distance from religious practices, it can intervene when certain practices are discriminatory or harmful. This justifies state action to uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly those who are marginalized within their own community.

Think of a workplace where some employees are treated unfairly based on their background or beliefs. If the management intervenes to ensure fairness, this can help build a more inclusive work environment. Similarly, the state’s intervention helps build a more equitable society.

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