Secularism

The Constitution of India is ambivalent about secularism, pandering to the demands of both the majority and minority communities. Secularism, though declared by the Supreme Court as part of the 'basic structure' of the Constitution, has lost all credibility. Godbole's thoughtful and comprehensive agenda for strengthening secularism includes setting up a constitutional commission on secularism, the separation of religion from politics, defining the words 'secular' and minorities, doing away with the freedom to propagate religion, an amendment of Article 48 by deleting the provision probibiting cow slaughter, and increasing the role and responsibilities of the central government.