Secularism

The Supreme Court on Wednesday took serious exception to hate speeches and said the moment politics and religions are separated and politicians stop using religion in politics, such speeches will go away. The top court said hate speeches are being made by fringe elements and people should restrain themselves. A bench of justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna referred to speeches of former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying people from remote areas and nook and corner used to gather to hear them. Wondering against how many people can courts initiate contempt action, the bench said why cannot the people of India take a pledge to not vilify other citizens or communities. "Everyday fringe elements are making speeches to vilify others including on TV and public forums," the bench said while hearing a contempt petition against various state authorities for failing to register FIRs against those making hate speeches. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also pointe

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said constitutional values like secularism, democracy and federalism are facing serious challenges in the country and hurdles are being created in realising the true federal concept of complacent states, a strong Centre and dynamic local self-governments. The fundamental democratic principle that the state governments, elected by the people of the respective states, should play an equal role with the central government in the development of the country is being forgotten, he said in his Constitution Day message. Since 2015, November 26 is observed as Constitution Day to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. Earlier, the day was observed as Law Day. "India's Constitution, which encompasses the ideals of our anti-imperialist struggle, is facing a wide array of challenges on this 73rd anniversary of its adoption. It's time to join the fight to fend off such threats and defend its ...

He also stressed that the basic primary education must be in mother tongue.

Let institutional efficiency and not essence of religion be our guide

The post by PRO Defence Jammu read 'keeping alive the traditions of secularism, an Iftaar was organized by the Indian Army at Arnora in Doda district'.

"The Shiv Sena has become pseudo-secular. However, we are not against any religion or their beliefs," Maharashtra BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday.

The film neither benefits the Kashmiri Pandits nor heals old wounds. It will instead deepen social divisions in both the Valley and in Jammu.

As in a mirror, the images of the two countries have reversed, with one edging towards secularism, and the other slipping into communalism

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said India is the most secular country in the world, despite that, the western media belittle the Indian government on issues of secularism and free speech.

J&K acceded to the secular India of Mahatma Gandhi, which was founded on brotherhood and communal harmony, but these are now being sought to be finished, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said

Those who believe in democracy and secularism must come together and draw up a "time-bound action program", NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said after taking part in a virtual meeting of opposition leaders

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday asserted that the concept of secularism needs to be defined in the context of 'Indian civilisation'.

Covid-19 restrictions should not be eased for any religion

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat unwittingly highlighted the covert chauvinism in so-called polite society, and that includes the Indian corporate sector

Here are the best of Business Standard's opinion pieces for Saturday

PEW survey of Indians' religiosity tells you why Modi's rivals have failed to challenge him: Confused secularism that's ceded religion to the BJP

Book review of On Citizenship

Varanasi court order on Gyanvapi mosque questions the optimism that Ayodhya wouldn't be repeated. Spending too much time looking at the past is a recipe for disaster

Book review of Contested Homelands: Politics of Space and Identity

The Congress alleged that the ruling BJP has been working overtime to destroy the social fabric of Assam