Topic Details (Notes format)

Communalism and Secularism

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Examines how communalism, based on religious antagonism, challenges India’s secular ethos. The Constitution declares India secular, ensuring religious freedom while disallowing a state religion. However, communal tensions erupt periodically, driven by identity politics, historical grievances, and extremist factions. Supreme Court judgments clarify that secularism means equal respect for all faiths, with the state adopting a neutral stand. Constitutional provisions like freedom of religion, minority rights, and anti-discrimination laws combat communal divisions. Still, the political misuse of religious sentiments for vote banks remains a concern. Strengthening constitutional values—mutual tolerance and inclusive development—remains essential to curb communal flare-ups.

Practice Questions

Who among the following is the ex-officio Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of India?

View Question

लोकसभा के सदस्यों के लिए न्यूनतम आयु क्या है?

View Question

राष्ट्रपति की अनुपस्थिति में संसद में किस सत्र को आयोजित किया जाता है?

View Question

What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?

View Question

Which of the following is a Fundamental Duty under the Indian Constitution?

View Question

संविधान संशोधन की प्रक्रिया में राज्यसभाओं का समर्थन कितने प्रतिशत से अधिक होना चाहिए?

View Question

Who has the power to remove a Governor from office in India?

View Question

Who has the authority to remove the Vice President of India from office?

View Question

What is the maximum number of members in the Legislative Assembly of a state?

View Question

राष्ट्रपति के आदेशों को निरस्त करने का अधिकार किसके पास है?

View Question