Hijab hearing: Secularism was not there in the original constitution, says Supreme Court
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday while hearing pleas against Karnataka High Court’s judgment upholding the ban on Hijab in educational institutions observed Secularism was not part of the original constitution.
A bench, comprising Justices Hemant Gupta and Sudhanshu Dhulia, is hearing the batch of petitions challenging the ban on wearing a Hijab in educational institutions in Karnataka.
While the Apex Court was hearing the arguments of advocate Kamat Justice Gupta observed that the word Secularism was not there in the original constitution.
He made the observation when Kamat argued that the Government is resurrecting a provision proposed in the Constituent Assembly Debates which sought to prohibit the display of religion in public.
Kamat replied to the observation by adding that the word secularism was not in the original constitution but the spirit was there.
“I am talking about the word.” Justice Gupta replied “Even in the absence of the word, we were secular. Secularism and socialism as words were added in Constitution as political statements later.” He further added.
The Court then heard arguments on why the Constituent Assembly rejected the amendment (to prohibit the display of religion in public). Kamat said it was BR Ambedkar who rejected the amendments saying it was not needed. Kamat then placed the debate of the Constituent Assembly on record during the hearing.
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Shivakumar opposes ‘One Nation One Election’, calls it ‘unworkable’
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday strongly opposed the central government’s proposed ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative.
Shivakumar expressed his views at a dialogue on ‘One Nation One Election’ organised by the Joint Parliamentary Study Committee.
He said the plan is a politically motivated, power-centralising scheme that would seriously damage India’s federal structure by weakening states and poses a threat to the democratic system, according to a statement from his office.
As KPCC president and deputy CM of Karnataka, he categorically rejected the proposal, stating that it is being crafted to suit the convenience of those in power at the Centre.
Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution opposing ‘One Nation One Election’ and read out the resolution at the meeting.
He firmly stated that it is “not a workable plan” and added that it is “practically impossible.”
“If a government falls midterm due to political instability, a no-confidence motion, or loss of majority, what is the solution?” he asked.
“Elections are held at different times in different states for different terms. Karnataka had its election in 2023, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala had theirs in 2021, and Punjab and Telangana in 2022 and 2023, respectively. How can these elections with varying schedules be synchronised?” he asked.
He added that the proposal is a ploy to suppress the voices of regional and Opposition parties.
He also said the Karnataka government does not agree with the proposal and remains committed to the position of the Congress party’s national leadership.
