Staat und Religion in Indien

Ira Das examines the relationship between the state and religion in the Indian Union, which in view of the many religions practiced in India was made into a secular state after it became independent in order to guarantee peaceful coexistence. The principle of secularism is expressed in various constitutional provisions, such as for example the ban on collecting taxes for a certain religion or for religious instruction in state schools. In spite of this, a complete separation of religion and the state has not been established. However the Indian government is in a position to take measures against those religious practices which are regarded as inhumane or discriminatory. The result is that the religious freedom guaranteed to individuals and religious communities is subject to restrictions.