Daily News Analysis

What is Article 25 of the Indian Constitution?

stylish_lining

Overview:

The Kerala High Court recently observed that the fundamental right under Article 25 of the Constitution to enter a temple for worship does not give the right to any member of the Hindu community to perform the role of Archakas (priests).

About Article 25 of Indian Constitution

Article 25 says that all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. The implications of these are:

Freedom of conscience: Inner freedom of an individual to mould his relation with God or Creatures in whatever way he desires.

Right to profess: Declaration of one’s religious beliefs and faith openly and freely.

Right to practice: Performance of religious worship, rituals, ceremonies, and exhibition of beliefs and ideas.

Right to propagate: Transmission and dissemination of one’s religious beliefs to others or exposition of the tenets of one’s religion. But it does not include the right to convert another person to one’s own religion. Forcible conversions impinge on the ‘freedom of conscience’ guaranteed to all the persons alike.

Thus, Article 25 covers not only religious beliefs (doctrines) but also religious practices (rituals).

Moreover, these rights are available to all persons–citizens as well as non-citizens.

However, these rights are subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions relating to fundamental rights.

Further, nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making any law to

 

regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political, or other secular activity associated with religious practice;

provide for social welfare and reform, or throw open Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus;

Article 25 also contains two explanations: one, the wearing and carrying of kirpans is to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion; and two, the Hindus, in this context, include Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.

Rising Household Debt in India

India is witnessing a significant rise in household debt, while net financial savings have declined from their pandemic-era highs. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of credit-dri
Share It

Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)

Why in the News? World Maritime Day 2026 was observed on 24 September 2026 under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” The theme highlights the importan
Share It

India’s Shift Towards Deterrence by Punishment

​Why in News? At DefCon 2026, India’s Defence Minister outlined a shift in the country’s national security doctrine. He cautioned against the “perimeter fallacy” and h
Share It

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026

Why in News? The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised Swachh Vayu Diwas 2026 on the occasion of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, observed annu
Share It

Decentralised Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector

Why in News? The Decentralised Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector has gained attention because of its progress in expanding local-level grain storage capacity and strengthening agricu
Share It

Geothermal Energy in India

Why in News? The Government of India’s push for geothermal energy development has brought renewed attention to India’s geothermal potential. This follows the notification of the Nat
Share It

National Medical Commission (NMC)

Why in News? The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently proposed a Unique Identification (UID) system for doctors, which would allow doctors to practise across India without requiring separ
Share It

India–Belgium Relations

Why in News? The Belgian Prime Minister’s September 2026 visit to India strengthened bilateral ties through the India–Belgium Joint Statement, the Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, a
Share It

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Why in News? A landmark ecological study has estimated the Total Economic Value (TEV) of Tamil Nadu’s Pichavaram Mangrove Forest at approximately ₹2,485.38 crore. The valuation highligh
Share It

UNEP “Limiting Overshoot” Report

Why in News? The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a report titled “Limiting Overshoot: Navigating Exceedance of 1.5°C and Pathways Towards Return.” The r
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS