Articles 25–30: Religious, Cultural and Educational Rights

Profess, practise and propagate — to hold a belief, act on it, and spread it. The right belongs to every *person*, not just citizens.

'Propagate' means the right to transmit or expound your faith — it does NOT include a right to convert another person. This underpins state anti-forcible-conversion laws.

Public order, morality and health; other Fundamental Rights; plus Article 25(2) allowing the State to regulate secular activity linked to religion and to legislate for social welfare and reform.

It is the reformist clause — the constitutional basis for temple-entry laws, throwing open Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus, and abolishing practices like the devadasi system.

Only practices essential and integral to a religion receive Article 25 protection; other customs are treated as secular or superstition and can be regulated. Criticised for making judges decide theology.

Tandava dance by Ananda Margis — not essential; Shayara Bano (2017) — instant triple talaq struck down; Sabarimala (2018) — exclusion of women aged 10–50 not essential (under larger-bench review).

Wearing and carrying a kirpan is deemed included in professing the Sikh religion, so it is expressly protected.

To establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage their own affairs in matters of religion, own and acquire property, and administer property in accordance with law.

A common faith, a common organisation, and a distinctive name.

Article 27: no one can be compelled to pay a tax whose proceeds fund a particular religion (fees are allowed). Article 28: no religious instruction in educational institutions wholly maintained out of State funds.