Though Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the principal architect of the Constitution, he never used the term “secularism” in the original document. The reason behind this was that he believed its essence was already instilled in the working of the Constitution through various provisions that ensured freedom of religion and equal treatment of religions. Articles from 25 to 28 ensured freedom of religion, and the Preamble laid emphasis on justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which implicitly acknowledged the concept of a secular state.

The term “secularism” was inserted into the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment under Indira Gandhi’s prime ministership in 1976. This was a broader attempt at underlining the country’s commitment to secularism and socialism at a time when the polity was getting increasingly satiated with political and social disturbances. It was reiterated in the Preamble itself, reiterating the fact that India shall remain committed to the cause of religious neutrality by treating all religions equally so that the State does not show any partiality towards any particular religion.