What is Article 25?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion.
- 2.
Subject to public order, morality, health, and other fundamental rights.
- 3.
Allows the state to regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political, or other secular activity associated with religious practice.
- 4.
Provides for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.
- 5.
Includes the wearing and carrying of Kirpans as part of the Sikh religion.
- 6.
Explanation II clarifies that the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina, or Buddhist religion.
- 7.
The state can make laws regulating secular activities associated with religious practices.
- 8.
Balances individual religious freedom with the state's responsibility to maintain public order and social welfare.
- 9.
No person is above the law, even in matters of religion.
Visual Insights
Article 25: Freedom of Religion
Mind map illustrating the key provisions and limitations of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
Article 25
- ●Key Provisions
- ●Limitations
- ●Related Issues
Evolution of Article 25 Jurisprudence
Timeline showing key events and Supreme Court cases related to Article 25.
Article 25 has been at the center of many legal and social debates in India, shaping the understanding of religious freedom.
- 1950Constitution of India comes into effect, enshrining Article 25.
- 1954Shirur Mutt Case: Established the 'essential religious practices' doctrine.
- 1985Shah Bano Case: Debates on Muslim personal law and Article 25.
- 2018Sabarimala Case: Entry of women to Sabarimala temple challenged under Article 25.
- 2024Continued debates on religious conversions and anti-conversion laws.
- 2026Char Dham Entry Ban Proposal: Raises questions about the scope of Article 25.
Recent Developments
4 developmentsOngoing debates and legal challenges related to religious practices and their compatibility with public order and social justice.
Judicial interpretations of the essential religious practices doctrine.
State regulations on religious conversions and their constitutional validity.
Discussions on the balance between religious freedom and other fundamental rights, such as equality and non-discrimination.