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In SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994), the Supreme Court held that secularism is part of the basic structure. Which of the following political party actions would likely violate secularism and justify Article 356?
- Party manifesto promising economic reforms
- Party using religious symbols for electoral mobilization in violation of election laws
- Party criticizing Union government policies
- Party forming coalition with regional parties
Answer: Party using religious symbols for electoral mobilization in violation of election laws
Secularism and political parties under SR Bommai: (a) SR Bommai holding: Secularism part of basic structure; State government acting against secularism can justify Article 356, (b) Political party actions violating secularism: (i) Using religious symbols for electoral mobilization in violation of election laws (e.g., R.P. Act provisions against appeal to religion), (ii) Promoting communal violence, religious discrimination through official policy, (iii) Enacting laws discriminating based on religion (violates Articles 14, 15, 25-28), (c) Actions NOT violating secularism: (i) Economic policy promises (policy domain within State competence), (ii) Criticizing Union policies (democratic dissent protected), (iii) Forming coalitions (normal political practice), (d) Judicial scrutiny: Courts examine whether action genuinely threatens constitutional secularism, not mere political disagreement or policy difference, (e) Applications: (i) Post-1994: Courts more willing to uphold Article 356 for genuine secularism violations, strike down for political pretext, (ii) Federal balance: Protects State autonomy while enabling Union to preserve constitutional order, (f) Illustrates constitutional federalism: Secularism as basic structure enables Union to preserve constitutional order; judicial review ensures Article 356 used for genuine threats, not political convenience.