Context
The Supreme Court of India has once again asserted that secularism is an integral part of the Constitution’s basic structure. The observation came while the Court dismissed a petition objecting to the participation of a Muslim writer at the Mysuru Dasara festival.
Case Background
- The petitioner opposed the inclusion of a Muslim author at the Mysuru Dasara inauguration.
- It was argued that the State’s action allegedly violated Articles 25 and 26 related to freedom of religion.
- The plea implied that a person belonging to a different faith should not be associated with a culturally Hindu festival.
Supreme Court’s Stand
- The Court rejected the plea, terming it frivolous and communal in tone.
- It clarified that Mysuru Dasara is a State-sponsored cultural event, not a purely religious ritual.
- Therefore, participation cannot be restricted on religious grounds.
- The Court emphasized that the State must maintain neutrality among all religions and cannot exclude anyone from public functions based on faith.
Reaffirmation of Constitutional Values
- The judgment reinforces secularism as a core constitutional value and part of the Basic Structure doctrine (as established in Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973).
- It highlighted that India’s secularism is inclusive and pluralistic, allowing interaction among different faiths.
- The Court observed that participating in a cultural event of another religion does not infringe religious freedom.
Observations on Social Harmony
- The Court and earlier the Karnataka High Court noted that restricting public participation based on religion is harmful to social unity.
- Historically, festivals, fairs, and cultural traditions have promoted harmony by bringing together people from different communities.
- Attempts to politicize religious identity for divisive purposes were criticized.
Key Constitutional Concepts
| Concept | Explanation |
| Secularism | Equal respect for all religions; no State religion |
| Basic Structure Doctrine | Certain constitutional principles cannot be altered by Parliament |
| Article 25 | Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion |
| Article 26 | Freedom to manage religious affairs |