Article 25: Constitution of India 

Article 25: Constitution of India 

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Article 25: Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession, Practice and Propagation of Religion

⚖️ Bare Act Text

(1) Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion.

(2) Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making any law—
(a) regulating or restricting any economic, financial, political or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice;
(b) providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.

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

Explanation II. In sub-clause (b) of clause (2), the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly.

📜 Footnotes

1. Article 25 guarantees religious freedom to all persons, not just citizens.
2. It is subject to public order, morality, and health—hence not absolute.
3. Clause (2) allows the State to regulate secular aspects of religion.
4. Explanation I specifically protects the kirpan as part of Sikh religious practice.
5. Explanation II expands the term “Hindus” for reform purposes to include Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.

🧾 Simple Explanation

Article 25 gives every person the freedom to:

• Believe in any religion (freedom of conscience)
• Profess (declare openly)
• Practice (perform rituals)
• Propagate (spread beliefs)

However, this freedom is not absolute and can be restricted for:

• Public order
• Morality
• Health
• Social reform

📌 Key Features

• Applies to all persons (citizens + non-citizens)
• Covers both belief and outward practice
• State can regulate non-religious (secular) aspects
• Supports social reform and equality
• Balances religious freedom with societal interests

⚖️ Important Case Laws

1. Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowments v. Shirur Mutt

• Introduced the Essential Religious Practices Doctrine

2. Rev. Stainislaus v. State of Madhya Pradesh

• Held that propagation does not include right to convert forcibly

3. Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala

• Allowed entry of women into Sabarimala temple
• Emphasized equality over discriminatory religious practices

4. Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala

• Protected students who refused to sing national anthem due to religious belief

🧠 Illustrations

• A person freely practicing their religion → ✔️ Protected
• Forced religious conversion → ❌ Not allowed
• State regulating temple finances → ✔️ Valid
• Religious practice harming public health → ❌ Can be restricted

📚 Practical Notes

• “Propagation” ≠ Right to convert others forcibly
• Courts decide what is an essential religious practice
• Important link with Articles 26–28 (religious freedom cluster)
• Frequently asked in constitutional law exams
• Often involves conflict between religion and fundamental rights

❓ FAQs

Q. Does Article 25 allow religious conversion?
✔️ Yes, but only voluntary—not forced or fraudulent

Q. Can the State interfere in religion?
✔️ Yes, in secular matters or for social reform

Q. What is freedom of conscience?
It means the right to believe or not believe in any religion

Q. Is religious freedom absolute?
❌ No — subject to public order, morality, and health

💬 Comments / Legal Insight

Article 25 embodies India’s commitment to secularism and religious pluralism.
It ensures that individuals can freely follow their beliefs while allowing the State to:

• Prevent misuse of religion
• Promote social reform and equality

The doctrine of essential religious practices, evolved by the Supreme Court of India, plays a key role in balancing faith and constitutional values.

Article 25: Constitution of India 

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