Constitution of IndiaPart IIIFundamental Right

Article 25

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

freedom of religionconsciencepropagationconversionpracticereligious freedom

Plain English Explanation

Article 25 guarantees freedom of religion — the right to have, practice, and spread one's religion. This includes the right to proselytise (convert others). The Supreme Court in Rev. Stainislaus v. State of Madhya Pradesh (1977) held that the right to propagate does not include the right to convert by force, fraud or allurement. The state can regulate secular activities associated with religion (temple entry, administration of religious endowments).

Legal Text

The Constitution of India · Article 25

(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.