Freedom of Religion
Articles 25 to 28: The Secular Guarantee
PART I — INDIVIDUAL & COLLECTIVE FAITH
ARTICLE 25
Conscience & Practice
- Freedom of inner conscience
- Right to profess and practice
- Right to propagate (not force convert)
- Subject to public order & health
ARTICLE 26
Manage Religious Affairs
- Rights of religious denominations
- Establish/maintain institutions
- Manage own affairs in religion
- Acquire and administer property
PART II — STATE NEUTRALITY
ARTICLE 27
Freedom from Taxation
- No compelled religious taxes
- State funds cannot promote one faith
- Secular state expenditure
- Fees for secular services allowed
ARTICLE 28
Religious Instruction
- Banned in state-funded schools
- Allowed if established by trust
- Voluntary in state-recognized schools
- Protects secular education
Return to Index: Indian Polity