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Indian secularism, as reflected in the Preamble, is best described as:
- Strict separation of religion and State like USA
- Principled distance: State has no religion but can intervene to reform discriminatory practices
- State promotion of majority religion
- Complete prohibition of religious practices in public life
Answer: Principled distance: State has no religion but can intervene to reform discriminatory practices
Indian secularism model: (a) Preamble foundation: 'Secular' added by 42nd Amendment (1976); reflects State's equal respect for all faiths, no official religion, (b) Principled distance concept: (i) State has no religion; treats all faiths equally, (ii) But can intervene to reform discriminatory practices (abolish untouchability, regulate temple entry, ban triple talaq) to promote equality, dignity, (iii) Balance religious freedom (Articles 25-28) with social reform imperatives, (c) Constitutional operationalization: (i) Article 25: Freedom of conscience, free profession/practice/propagation of religion subject to public order, morality, health, (ii) Article 26: Right of religious denominations to manage own affairs, (iii) Article 27: No taxation for promotion of particular religion, (iv) Article 28: No religious instruction in State-funded educational institutions, (d) Applications: (i) Shayara Bano (triple talaq banned as arbitrary, violating gender equality), (ii) SR Bommai (secularism part of basic structure; State action against secularism can justify President's Rule), (iii) Temple entry cases (reform discriminatory practices while respecting religious freedom), (e) Contrast with USA: 'Wall of separation' (strict non-interference) vs. India's 'principled distance' (contextual intervention for equality), (f) Illustrates adaptive secularism: Preamble values guide State to balance religious freedom with social justice, reform without imposition.