The principle of secularism in India, as enshrined in the Constitution, is meant to ensure that the state remains neutral in matters of religion, treating all religions with equal respect and ensuring freedom of belief and practice.
However, its survival under legislative majoritarianism—a situation where laws and policies reflect the will of the majority population, often religious or cultural—poses a complex challenge. In a diverse democracy like India, where religion is deeply intertwined with public and political life, majoritarianism can risk marginalizing minority communities by promoting policies that favor the beliefs or interests of the majority. While the judiciary has often acted as a safeguard against such tendencies by upholding secular values, consistent political will and civic engagement are essential to preserve secularism.
Ultimately, the survival of secularism depends not only on legal safeguards but also on a robust democratic culture that values pluralism, constitutional morality, and protection of minority rights against the excesses of majoritarian rule.
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