Introduction

When did the term secular find its place in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution? To understand this, it is essential to delve into the historical context and motivations behind this amendment. The text below delves into the 42nd Amendment and explores the reasons for inserting 'secular' into the Preamble during the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi.

Historical Context of Secular Government

Secularism is a doctrine that emphasizes the separation of religion from public authority and governance. This concept has its roots in the historical governance of the American and British colonies. One of the earliest historical precedents can be found in the Mayflower Compact of 1680, which established a governing framework for the Colony of Massachusetts. This document emphasized the importance of legal and constitutional structures over religious authority, setting a precedent for future governance documents.

Our founding fathers were well-versed in the dangers of theocratic governance, specifically the religious wars that emerged in Europe over the interpretation of religious texts such as the Bible and the Quran. They were committed to establishing a governance model that upheld the rule of law and the freedom of citizens, rather than subordinating governance to religious doctrine. The Articles of Confederation of the United States of America, for instance, did not include any reference to religious figures or documents, aside from a brief mention in Section III related to protecting religious freedom.

The Constitution of the United States

The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1787, is notably absent of references to God, Jesus, the Bible, or other religious texts. The only explicit mention of religion is in Article VI, which states that no religious test shall ever be required for public office, ensuring that religious freedom is not compromised.

The Indian Constitution and Secularism

However, the Indian Constitution, despite its ethos of secularism, did not initially include the term 'secular' in its Preamble. This term was added through the 42nd Amendment Act passed on November 22, 1976, making an explicit constitutional commitment to secularism. The choice to insert this word has been widely attributed to the political strategies of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the period known as the Emergency.

Adding 'Secular' to the Preamble

The secular nature of India was a well-established and widely accepted principle in the Constitution. The term 'Sanatan' (eternal) secularism and 'Hindu' secularism were considered as self-evident. The rationale behind inserting 'secular' in the Preamble is believed to have been primarily driven by the political considerations of balancing Muslim support for the Indian government. The emergency period under Indira Gandhi, from 1975 to 1977, was marked by a significant shift in state-enforced policies and the insertion of assertive language that reinforced the government's stance on secularism.

Conclusion

The addition of the term 'secular' to the Indian Constitution's Preamble during the 42nd Amendment is a reflection of the delicate balance of power and symbolism that characterized India's evolving constitutional history. Understanding the historical context and motivations behind this change provides insight into the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding secularism in modern India.