UPSC Mains – “Equal protection by the State to all religions” is the view of Jawaharlal Nehru towards secularism. Examine.

Introduction:    

Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, was a prominent figure in the country’s struggle for independence and played a pivotal role in shaping India’s secular identity. His vision of secularism was deeply rooted in the principles of equality and the impartial treatment of all religions by the state. 

Body:  

Nehru’s Notion of Secularism:

1. Equal Treatment of All Religions: Nehru ardently supported equal protection for all religions, emphasizing state impartiality without endorsing or discriminating against any faith.
2. Safeguarding Religious Freedom: Nehru championed religious freedom, advocating for unhindered faith practice and a state that refrained from religious interference.
3. Cultural Pluralism: Nehru celebrated India’s diverse culture, weaving it into his secular vision, promoting cultural preservation without bias.
4. Secular State Institutions: Nehru aimed to establish religion-neutral state institutions, ensuring impartiality in government and public bodies.
5. Democratic Values: Nehru’s secularism aligned with democracy, fostering equal political participation regardless of religious affiliation.
6. Promotion of Scientific Temper: Nehru advocated scientific thinking, using secularism to advance rationality and dispel superstitions.
7. Legacy: Nehru’s secular vision influenced India’s constitution, upholding religious equality and the separation of religion from the state in India’s secular identity.

Contemporary Relevance:

1. Legal Framework: India’s constitution, reflecting Nehru’s vision, includes Article 15, prohibiting religious discrimination, and Article 25, guaranteeing the freedom to practise and propagate religion, establishing religious neutrality.
2. Cultural Pluralism: India’s diverse festivals, like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Vaisakhi, exemplify the inclusive environment Nehru envisioned, fostering unity in diversity.
3. Democracy and Equality: Nehru’s vision aligns with democratic principles in India, where all citizens, regardless of religion, enjoy equal voting rights.
4. Preventing Religious Conflict: Nehru’s vision deters religious conflicts by ensuring state neutrality, discouraging polarisation, and promoting peaceful coexistence among religious communities.
5. Freedom of Religion: India allows individuals of all faiths to worship freely in places of their choice, reflecting Nehru’s commitment to religious freedom.
6. Equal Legal Status: India maintains uniform legal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their faith, governing matters like marriage, property, and inheritance.
7. Protection of Minority Rights: Nehru’s vision safeguards minority rights through measures such as scholarships, educational reservations, and anti-discrimination provisions to ensure fair treatment.

Critiques and Challenges:

1. Allegations of Favouritism: Critics argue that despite equal protection, certain religious communities have received more state benefits, leading to tensions and perceived unequal treatment.
2. Misuse for Political Purposes: Politicians have exploited secularism for personal gain, potentially undermining religious harmony and causing allegations of religious vote-bank politics.
3. Communalism and Religious Tensions: Despite Nehru’s vision, India still experiences communalism, and religious conflicts and tensions persist, challenging equal protection’s success in preventing divisions.
4. Uniform Civil Code Debate: The debate over a Uniform Civil Code questions equal legal standards, as personal laws for different communities may not provide uniform protection.
5. Secularism vs. Freedom of Religion: Balancing secularism and freedom of religion can be challenging, with some policies like anti-conversion laws or interference in religious customs, infringing on religious freedom.
6. Identity Politics: Identity-based politics can divert focus from national interests to religious interests, challenging secular ideals.
7. Changing Demographics: India’s changing demographics, with shifts in religious majorities and minorities, can create tensions and challenges for implementing equal protection for all religions.

Conclusion:

Hence, Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of secularism as “equal protection by the State to all religions” was a reflection of his commitment to building a just and inclusive society in India. In a diverse and multi-religious nation like India, Nehru’s view on secularism remains a cornerstone of the country’s democratic and inclusive identity.

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