Overview

India is the birth place of four of the world's major religious traditions; namely Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Throughout its history, religion has been an important part of the country's culture. Religious diversity and Religious tolerance are both established in the country by law and custom. A vast majority of Indian associate themselves with a religion. This diversity of religious belief systems existing in India today is a result of, assimilations and social integration of religious brought to the region by traders, travellers, immigrants and even invaders and conquerors. The Constitution of India declares the nation to be a secular, republic that must uphold the right of citizens to freely worship and propagate any religion or faith. The Constitution of India also declares the Right to Freedom of Religion as a Fundamental Right1. Citizens of India are generally tolerant of each other's religion and retain a secular outlook, although inter-religious marriage is not widely practiced. Inter-community clashes have found little support in the social mainstream and it is generally perceived that the causes of religious conflicts are Political rather than ideological in nature. The word Secular was inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd amendment Act of 1976. In S.R.Bommai v Union of India2, the Supreme Court of India held that Secularism was an integral tenet of the Constitution. The Right to Freedom of Religion is a Fundamental Right according to the Indian Constitution. The Constitution also suggests a Uniform Civil Code3 for its citizens as a Directive Principle. The Supreme Court has further held that, the enactment of a Uniform Civil Code all at once may be counterproductive to the unity of the nation and only a gradual progressive change should be brought about. In India, religion is a way of life. It is an integral part of the Indian tradition. For the majority of Indians religion permeates every aspect of life, from common place daily.

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