Consider the following statements regarding the "Principled Distance" model: 1. It is the model followed by the Indian State. 2. It strictly prohibits the State from interfering in religion under any circumstance. 3. It allows the State to interact with religious groups to ensure equality. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation The concept of "Principled Distance" is the defining characteristic of Indian Secularism. Unlike the Western model of secularism, which mandates a strict separation (mutual exclusion) between religion and the State, the Indian Constitution adopts a flexible approach. The State maintains a "principled distance" from all religions, meaning it can choose to intervene or refrain from interfering based on the need to uphold constitutional values like liberty, equality, and social justice. - Statement 1 is Correct: The "Principled Distance" model is the specific model followed by the Indian State. It acknowledges the deep-rooted role of religion in Indian society and avoids a rigid separation that would prevent the State from addressing social evils rooted in religious practices. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The strict prohibition of State interference in religion under any circumstance describes the Western (American) model of secularism. In India, the State is constitutionally empowered to interfere in religious affairs to bring about social reform. Examples include the abolition of Untouchability (Article 17) and the opening of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus (Article 25). - Statement 3 is Correct: The Principled Distance model allows the State to interact with religious groups to ensure equality. This interaction can be positive (e.g., providing aid to minority educational institutions) or negative (e.g., banning discriminatory practices like Triple Talaq). The key criterion is that the intervention must be non-sectarian and aimed at promoting constitutional ideals. Key Takeaway: Indian secularism is not merely the absence of religion in State affairs but a positive engagement where the State maintains a "principled distance"-intervening when necessary to protect fundamental rights and refraining when intervention would violate religious freedom.

NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Principled Distance" model:

It is the model followed by the Indian State.
It strictly prohibits the State from interfering in religion under any circumstance.
It allows the State to interact with religious groups to ensure equality.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The concept of "Principled Distance" is the defining characteristic of Indian Secularism. Unlike the Western model of secularism, which mandates a strict separation (mutual exclusion) between religion and the State, the Indian Constitution adopts a flexible approach. The State maintains a "principled distance" from all religions, meaning it can choose to intervene or refrain from interfering based on the need to uphold constitutional values like liberty, equality, and social justice.

Statement 1 is Correct: The "Principled Distance" model is the specific model followed by the Indian State. It acknowledges the deep-rooted role of religion in Indian society and avoids a rigid separation that would prevent the State from addressing social evils rooted in religious practices.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The strict prohibition of State interference in religion under any circumstance describes the Western (American) model of secularism. In India, the State is constitutionally empowered to interfere in religious affairs to bring about social reform. Examples include the abolition of Untouchability (Article 17) and the opening of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus (Article 25).
Statement 3 is Correct: The Principled Distance model allows the State to interact with religious groups to ensure equality. This interaction can be positive (e.g., providing aid to minority educational institutions) or negative (e.g., banning discriminatory practices like Triple Talaq). The key criterion is that the intervention must be non-sectarian and aimed at promoting constitutional ideals.

Key Takeaway: Indian secularism is not merely the absence of religion in State affairs but a positive engagement where the State maintains a "principled distance"-intervening when necessary to protect fundamental rights and refraining when intervention would violate religious freedom.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

With reference to the concept of secularism as discussed in political theory, consider the following statements regarding the "essence of secularism": 1. It rests on the assumption that all forms of domination related to religion should end. 2. It mandates that religious groups must not have any contact with State authorities. 3. It implies that the majority community must always yield to the demands of the minority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between the State and religion: 1. Acts of religious discrimination are more likely to occur when one religion is accorded official recognition by the State. 2. The separation of State and religion is the sole mechanism required to prevent the tyranny of the majority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In the context of the "tyranny of the majority" in democratic societies, consider the following 1. It can refer to the physical coercion or killing of religious minorities by the majority group. 2. It ensures that the State provides equal financial resources to all religious communities. 3. It is one of the primary reasons why separating religion from the State is considered essential in democracies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Strategy of Distancing" employed by the Indian State, consider the following: 1. Government spaces like law courts are legally mandated to display religious symbols of the majority. 2. Government schools are prohibited from celebrating any religious festival. 3. This strategy implies that the State is not ruled by any religious group. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statement regarding the practice of secularism in the United States of America: "The legislature cannot declare any religion as the official religion. Nor can they give preference to one religion." This provision is primarily derived from which of the following?

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The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: The "Principled Distance" model is the specific model followed by the Indian State. It acknowledges the deep-rooted role of religion in Indian society and avoids a rigid separation that would prevent the State from addressing social evils rooted in religious practices.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The strict prohibition of State interference in religion under any circumstance describes the Western (American) model of secularism. In India, the State is constitutionally empowered to interfere in religious affairs to bring about social reform. Examples include the abolition of Untouchability (Article 17) and the opening of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus (Article 25).
Statement 3 is Correct: The Principled Distance model allows the State to interact with religious groups to ensure equality. This interaction can be positive (e.g., providing aid to minority educational institutions) or negative (e.g., banning discriminatory practices like Triple Talaq). The key criterion is that the intervention must be non-sectarian and aimed at promoting constitutional ideals.