Home The Constitution Part III Article 25

Art. 25 Part III: Fundamental Rights

Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession, Practice and Propagation of Religion

Exact text — Constitution of India

(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.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This is India's core religious-freedom guarantee — extended to 'all persons', not just citizens. It has two layers: an inner 'freedom of conscience' (your private belief, which is essentially absolute), and an outer right to 'profess, practise and propagate' religion (which, unlike belief itself, can be reasonably regulated for public order, morality and health). Clause (2) specifically allows the State to regulate the secular/economic aspects that often attach to religious practice, and to open up Hindu religious institutions to all sections — including, per the Explanations, treating Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists as covered by 'Hindu' institutions for this specific reform purpose (a nuance rooted in the shared historical/legal treatment of these traditions, not a claim about religious identity).

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article is why you can practise your religion openly, why a Sikh person's kirpan is specifically constitutionally protected as part of religious practice (not treated as a weapons violation), and it's the Article courts weigh in disputes over religious conversion laws, religious dress in institutions, and temple entry/reform.

Landmark Cases

How courts have interpreted this Article

Shayara Bano v. Union of India(2017) 9 SCC 1 — While centred on gender equality, this ruling on instant triple talaq also engaged Article 25, holding that a practice isn't protected as 'essential' to a religion just because a community follows it — courts apply an 'essential religious practice' test. Verify this case

Read alongside this one

Art. 26 — Freedom to Manage Religious Affairs Art. 27 — Freedom From Taxation for a Religion Art. 28 — Freedom From Religious Instruction

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 25

Can the State restrict religious practices at all?

Yes — 'public order, morality and health' are explicit limits, and courts also use the 'essential religious practice' test to decide whether a specific practice is even core enough to a religion to deserve this protection in the first place.

Does this Article protect the right to convert others to your religion?

'Propagate' has been interpreted to include peacefully spreading and explaining your faith, but not a right to forcibly convert someone — several states also have their own anti-conversion laws targeting conversion by force, fraud, or inducement.

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The text above reproduces Article 25 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.