Background
Overview
This is a foundational aspect of the Indian Constitution and polity. UPSC frequently asks about the nature of Indian secularism, the balance between individual and collective religious rights, the state's role in social reform, and the judiciary's interpretation of these principles, especially concerning historical injustices like untouchability.
Indian secularism, unlike its Western counterpart, does not imply a strict separation of state and religion but rather equal respect for all religions (Sarva Dharma Sambhava) and state intervention to ensure social justice and reform within religious practices. This often leads to a delicate balance between the right to religious freedom (Article 25-28) and the state's power to enact social welfare and reform laws.