Unraveling the Constitutional Fabric

Assessing the Implications of India's Absolute Right to Religion on Democratic Principles

Résumé

India's constitutional commitment to religious freedom was envisioned as a foundational pillar to uphold the nation’s long-standing tradition of spiritual diversity and pluralism. This principle was meant to ensure that every individual could freely practice and propagate their faith, thereby fostering a harmonious coexistence of multiple religious communities. However, the practical implementation of this right has revealed critical tensions, particularly when absolute and unregulated religious freedoms are leveraged by radical or aggressive ideologies that disrupt social cohesion and challenge the democratic fabric of the nation.

              This study undertakes a civilizational analysis of India’s approach to religious liberty, with a specific focus on the implications of Islamist radicalism in the contemporary socio-political landscape. It argues that the current interpretation of secularism in India—often marked by an excessive deference to minority sensitivities and a dilution of the majority’s cultural ethos—has created a structural imbalance. Unlike nations such as Poland or Russia, which consciously preserve a cultural-religious core to maintain their national identity, India has often suppressed its civilizational majority voice, particularly that of Sanatan Dharma, in the name of a misapplied secular ideal.

              Through a critical re-examination of constitutional morality, national integration, and public order, this paper posits that unrestrained religious expression—when it undermines civil peace and national unity—must be addressed through a more nuanced legal and civilizational framework. It emphasizes that the protection and revitalization of Hindu cultural unity and Sanatan values are not antithetical to democracy but are in fact crucial for safeguarding India's pluralistic fabric. By realigning its secular ethos with its civilizational roots, Bharat can better navigate the complexities of religious freedom while reinforcing democratic resilience and social harmony.