Secularism as Basic Structure: The Supreme Court's Reaffirmation in the Mysuru Dasara Case
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Preamble, Fundamental Rights - Article 25 & 26, Secularism, The Basic Structure Doctrine, Judiciary).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India; Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. The Basic Structure doctrine and Secularism are core GS2 topics.
Key Highlights from the News
The Supreme Court reiterated that secularism is part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution, dismissing a petition against the inauguration of Mysuru Dasara by acclaimed writer Banu Mushtaq.
Dasara is not a private religious ceremony but a State-sponsored cultural event organized by the Karnataka government. A secular nation cannot bar an individual from participating in public events based on religion.
The Court reminded the petitioner about the principles of secularism, equality, and fraternity mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution.
The Court observed that the right granted by Article 25 (freedom of religion) is a right to practice one's own religion, not to prohibit others from participating in religious celebrations.
The article argues that such petitions are against India's pluralistic society and cultural heritage.
The Court highlighted that its 1994 ruling in the M. Ismail Faruqui case, which stated that the Indian state officially has no religion, is relevant to this case as well.
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