Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession of Religion
(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.
Article 25 guarantees every person the right to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. This reflects India's secular character — the state has no official religion, and individuals are free to follow, change, or not follow any religion. The right is subject to public order, morality, and health.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases
Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala
1986The Supreme Court held that expulsion of children who refused to sing the national anthem on religious grounds violated Article 25.
Impact: Reinforced that the freedom of conscience protects the right not to participate in religious or patriotic acts.