What is Article 25 & 26 (Freedom of Religion)?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
Article 25(1) guarantees all persons equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion.
- 2.
Article 25(2) allows the state to make laws regulating or restricting any economic, financial, political or other secular activity associated with religious practice.
- 3.
Article 25(2)(b) allows the state to make laws 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.
- 4.
Article 26 gives religious denominations the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes.
Visual Insights
Comparison of Article 25 and Article 26
A side-by-side comparison of the key provisions of Article 25 and Article 26 of the Indian Constitution.
| Feature | Article 25 | Article 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Applies to all persons | Applies to religious denominations |
| Right Guaranteed | Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion | Freedom to manage religious affairs |
| Restrictions | Subject to public order, morality, health, and other fundamental rights | Subject to public order, morality, and health |
| Specific Provisions | Allows state to regulate economic, financial, political, or secular activity associated with religious practice; allows state to make laws providing for social welfare and reform | Gives religious denominations the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes; allows religious denominations to own and administer property |
| Examples | Individual's right to wear a turban; State regulation of temple management | Right of a religious group to manage its schools; Right of a religious group to own property |
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
Kerala reconsiders Sabarimala stance amid political pressure, constitutional questions arise
Polity & GovernanceUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What are Article 25 and 26 and what is their constitutional basis?
Article 25 and 26 are fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution that guarantee freedom of religion. Article 25 gives individuals the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. Article 26 gives religious denominations the right to manage their own religious affairs, including owning property and establishing institutions. They are part of Part III of the Constitution, which deals with Fundamental Rights.
Exam Tip
Remember that Article 25 focuses on individual freedom, while Article 26 focuses on the rights of religious groups.
2. What are the key provisions of Article 25?
Article 25 has two main parts. Article 25(1) guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to practice and propagate religion. Article 25(2) allows the state to make laws regulating economic, financial, political, or other secular activities associated with religious practice. It also allows the state to make laws for social welfare and reform, including opening Hindu religious institutions to all classes of Hindus.
