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What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? UPSC Mains 2019

Amith

✅ Question:

“What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?”
(GS Paper II – 2019, 10 marks)

1. Keyword-Based Analysis

  • Directive Word: What can France learn
    → You need to identify features of Indian secularism that offer insight or improvement over the French model.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Indian secularism (positive/neutral model)

    • French secularism (laïcité)

    • Religious freedom

    • Constitutional protection

    • State–religion relationship

2. Demand of the Question

You are expected to:

  • Briefly explain how Indian secularism works

  • Explain France’s approach (laïcité) and its limitations

  • Point out specific aspects France could learn/improve

  • Base arguments in constitutional principles, legal rights, and pluralism

3. Ideal Structure of the Answer

Introduction

  • Define secularism in constitutional terms.

  • Mention that India and France both are secular, but follow different models.

Body:

A. France’s Laïcité Model

  • Strict separation of religion and state

  • State neutrality means no religious symbols or expression in public institutions (e.g., hijab ban)

  • Emphasis on uniform public sphere

B. India’s Inclusive Secularism

  • Based on equal respect for all religions, not just separation.

  • Constitutionally protected under Articles 25–28.

  • Allows religious expression in public life as long as it doesn't violate public order or other rights.

  • Promotes positive engagement (e.g., state can intervene to reform religious practices – Triple Talaq, untouchability ban).

C. What Can France Learn?

France’s Challenge Indian Approach – Lesson
Alienation of religious minorities Pluralism and religious accommodation
Over-restriction of religious symbols Freedom with reasonable restrictions (Art 25)
Tension in integration policies Balancing unity and diversity
Public backlash on hijab, burqa bans Encouraging dialogue and cultural sensitivity

Conclusion

France can benefit from India’s flexible, inclusive, and accommodative secularism, which promotes both religious freedom and social harmony without enforcing uniformity.

4. Model Answer (150 words)

India and France, both secular democracies, adopt divergent approaches to secularism. France’s laïcité emphasizes absolute separation of religion from the state, often leading to bans on religious symbols like the hijab in public institutions. This rigid model can alienate minority communities and create identity conflicts.

In contrast, the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion under Articles 25 to 28, allowing individuals to express and practice their faith publicly. Indian secularism does not advocate strict separation but rather equal respect and principled distance from all religions. The state may intervene in religious practices to uphold rights and reform—such as in the abolition of Triple Talaq.

France can learn from India’s pluralistic model, which balances religious freedom with public interest, ensuring inclusivity rather than uniformity. This fosters social cohesion in a multicultural society, making secularism a bridge for unity, not a barrier.

5. Value Addition Tips (for Mains)

  • Quotes:

    • “Indian secularism is not anti-religion, but multi-religion.”

  • Case Laws:

    • S.R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994) – secularism as a basic feature

  • Comparison Table: Indian vs French secularism

  • Constitutional References:

    • India: Articles 14, 15, 25–28

    • France: 1905 Law on Separation of Church and State

6. Common Mistakes

  • Describing only one country’s model in detail (imbalanced)

  • Ignoring constitutional/legal basis

  • Overgeneralizing (e.g., "India is perfect") without critical lens

  • Missing real-world examples

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