Section Article

Religious Identity and Citizenship in Contemporary India
Author(s): Ravi Kumar

Abstract
The relationship between religious identity and citizenship in contemporary India has become one of the most contested and politically sensitive issues in the country’s socio-political discourse. While the Indian Constitution enshrines secularism and equal citizenship irrespective of religion the rise of identity politics religious polarization and majoritarian nationalism has led to increasing tensions between religious affiliation and civic rights. This paper examines how religious identity influences access to and perceptions of citizenship in contemporary India focusing on constitutional principles historical trajectories legal transformations and contemporary debates such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) National Register of Citizens (NRC) and communal violence. The study analyzes how religious minorities particularly Muslims navigate their citizenship rights within a system that is increasingly being shaped by dominant religious narratives. It concludes by highlighting the urgent need to reaffirm constitutional secularism and redefine inclusive citizenship in a pluralistic society.