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| What is Article 25 of Indian constitution |
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Freedom of Religion to every individual in India.
📜 Text of Article 25 (Simplified)
“All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality and health.”
✅ Key Rights Under Article 25
| Freedom Given | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Freedom of Conscience | You can follow your own personal belief or faith |
| Profess | Declare your religion openly |
| Practice | Perform religious rituals and customs |
| Propagate | Spread your religion to others (but not forcefully convert) |
⚠️ Reasonable Restrictions
These rights are not absolute. The government can regulate or restrict religious freedom if:
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Public order is disturbed
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It affects morality or health
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It interferes with other fundamental rights
👉 Example: You can’t perform religious rituals that involve animal cruelty, child marriage, or violence.
🏛️ Important Judicial Points
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Freedom is given to individuals, not just religious groups.
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You can choose to not follow any religion too – that is also protected.
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Propagation is allowed, but forcible conversions are not.
⚖️ Limits and Exceptions (Clause 2)
The State can make laws to:
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Regulate secular activities (like economic, financial, political, or social matters) linked to religion.
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Promote social welfare and reform, even if it affects religious practices (e.g., abolition of untouchability or temple entry of all castes).
🧠 Landmark Case:
Bijoe Emmanuel vs State of Kerala (1986)
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Three students who refused to sing the national anthem due to their religious beliefs were protected under Article 25.
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The Court ruled that respecting religion includes the right to remain silent, as long as it’s not disrespectful.
📌 Summary of Article 25
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Guarantees | Freedom of conscience, profess, practice, propagate religion |
| Applies to | All persons (citizens and foreigners) |
| Subject to | Public order, morality, health |
| Allows Government to | Regulate secular activities and enact social reform laws |
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