Right to Freedom of Religion

• The objective of this right is to sustain the principle of secularism in India.
•  All religions are equal before the State and no religion shall be given preference over the other.

Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion

1.   All persons are entitled to freedom of conscience and are free to profess, practice and propagate religion subject to public order, morality and health,

2.   Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any law regulating  economic, financial, political or  secular activity associated with religious practice;

•   The wearing and carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion.

 Article 26: Freedom to manage religious affairs

Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination shall have the right –

a.    to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes;

b.    to manage its own affairs in matters of religion;

c.     to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and

d.     to administer such property in accordance with law.

Article 27: Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion

No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes for the promotion of a particular religion.

Article 28: Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions

1.   No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds.

2.   Educational institution which is administered by the State but established under religious endowment can impart religious instruction.

3.   Educational institution recognized by the State or receiving aid out of State funds can impart religious instruction but it cannot compel its students to attend such instructions.