Article 25 of the Indian Constitution is a foundational provision that guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of religion, including the right to conscience, profession, practice, and propagation of religion. It plays a crucial role in upholding secularism and individual liberty within the Indian context.

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, allowing every individual the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their religion. It promotes religious tolerance and secularism, but is subject to public order, morality, and health, and allows the state to regulate religious practices. It’s a key article balancing individual rights with social harmony.

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions of the constitution. It ensures that all citizens are equal in their right to religious freedom, which includes the right to choose, believe in, and express their religion openly.

Article 25 of the Constitution of India is a cornerstone of the country’s secular framework, guaranteeing every person—not just citizens—the right to freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion. This means individuals are free to hold and express religious beliefs, participate in rituals, and share their faith with others. The article is broad and inclusive, covering all persons regardless of their faith, and explicitly includes Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists within its ambit.
However, this right is not absolute. It is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of public order, morality, and health, as well as other fundamental rights. This balance allows the state to intervene and regulate or restrict secular activities associated with religious practices, and to enact laws for social welfare and reform, such as opening Hindu religious institutions to all classes and sections of Hindus. For example, practices that may harm public health or disrupt public order can be lawfully restricted, even if claimed as religious.
The article’s design reflects India’s pluralistic ethos: it protects the core of religious freedom while ensuring that such freedom does not override the rights of others or the broader interests of society. This careful balance is vital in a diverse country like India, where religious harmony, social reform, and individual liberty must coexist.
In summary, Article 25 is fundamental for upholding religious liberty in India, but it also recognizes the need for reasonable limits to protect public interest and foster social justice