Religious tolerance and secularism: An analysis

Secularism under the Constitution is assuming great significance in India due to the rise of political parties based on religion. Constitution of India has built up the philosophy of Secularism on freedom, equality and tolerance in the field of religion. The essence of secularism is that the State is non-partisan in its relation to citizens. Freedom of Religion under the Constitution is absolute except the few restrictions provided under the Constitution itself. Religious tolerance and equal treatment of all religious groups and protection of their life and property and of the places of their worship are an essential part of secularism enshrined in our Constitution. Constitution guarantees to every individual the freedom to adopt a way of life in which liberty, dignity and autonomy forms the core. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion and guarantees legal and social equality to all by providing for equality before law and equal protection of laws.