Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction
   • Define secularism, emphasizing its meaning in both Western and Indian contexts.
   • Briefly state the importance of secularism in India and introduce the Constitution as a framework reflecting these values.
2. Definition of Secularism
   • Explain secularism as the separation of religion from the state and civil affairs.
   • Distinguish between Western secularism (negative model) and Indian secularism (positive model), which allows state involvement in religious matters (Source: Scholarly articles on secularism).
3. Secular Values in the Indian Constitution
   • Preamble: Discuss how the Preamble establishes India as a secular republic, guaranteeing liberty of belief and worship (Source: Constitution of India).
   • Fundamental Rights:
     • Right to Equality: Mention Articles 14 (equality before law) and 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion) (Source: Constitution).
     • Right to Freedom of Religion: Highlight Articles 25 (freedom of conscience), 26 (manage religious affairs), 27 (no taxes for promoting a religion), and 28 (no religious instruction in state schools) (Source: Constitution).
   • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs): Discuss Article 44 regarding the Uniform Civil Code (Source: Constitution).
   • Basic Structure Doctrine: Mention the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Kesavananda Bharati case that secularity is part of the basic structure of the Constitution (Source: Supreme Court judgment).
4. Conclusion
   • Summarize how the Indian Constitution not only enshrines secular values but also promotes a harmonious coexistence of diverse religions, reinforcing the idea of a secular state.

Relevant Facts for the Answer

1. Definition of Secularism: Separation of religion from the state, allowing for equal treatment of all religions (Source: Scholarly articles on secularism).
2. Preamble: Envisions India as a secular republic, securing liberty of belief, faith, and worship (Source: Constitution of India).
3. Fundamental Rights:
   • Article 14: Equality before law (Source: Constitution).
   • Article 15: Prohibits discrimination based on religion (Source: Constitution).
   • Article 25: Guarantees freedom of religion (Source: Constitution).
   • Article 26: Rights of religious denominations (Source: Constitution).
   • Article 27: No taxes for promoting any religion (Source: Constitution).
   • Article 28: No religious instruction in state-maintained educational institutions (Source: Constitution).
4. Directive Principles: Article 44 calls for a Uniform Civil Code to ensure secularism in personal law matters (Source: Constitution).
5. Basic Structure Doctrine: Affirmed in the Kesavananda Bharati case that secularism is part of the Constitution’s basic structure (Source: Supreme Court judgment).

By following this roadmap and utilizing the relevant facts, you can create a comprehensive and informed response to the question.