Hindu Practices and Rituals — Key Changes

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
42nd Amendment Act	1976	This amendment inserted the word 'Secular' into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. While not directly amending Hindu practices, it formally enshrined the principle of secularism, which dictates that the state has no religion and treats all religions equally. This overarching constitutional principle influences how religious practices, including Hindu ones, are viewed and regulated by the state, particularly in matters of public order, morality, and social reform.	The inclusion of 'Secular' reinforced the state's neutrality towards all religions and its commitment to protecting religious freedom while also empowering it to intervene in religious affairs for social welfare and reform, as outlined in Article 25(2). It provides a broader context for interpreting the constitutional limits and protections afforded to Hindu practices, emphasizing that religious freedom exists within a secular framework.