Article 25 says that all persons (, both citizens and noncitizens) are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion.
- Forms part of Articles 25–28 under “Right to Freedom of Religion” in Part III.
- These rights are subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions relating to fundamental rights.
State Role
- Regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political, or other secular activity associated with religious practice.
- Provide for social welfare and reform or throw open Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.
Implication
- Freedom of Conscience: Inner freedom of an individual to mould his relation with God or Creatures in whatever way he desires.
- Right to Profess: Declaration of one’s religious beliefs and faith openly and freely.
- Right to Practice: Performance of religious worship, rituals, ceremonies and exhibition of beliefs and ideas.
- Right to Propagate: Transmission and dissemination of one’s religious beliefs to others or exposition of the tenets of one’s religion. But, it does not include a right to convert another person to one’s own religion. Forcible conversions impinge on the ‘freedom of conscience’ guaranteed to all persons alike.
Source: The Hindu