Consider the following statements with reference to the Right to Free...
Explanation:
The Right to Freedom of Religion is provided under Articles 25-28 of the Indian Constitution. Let's analyze each statement separately:
Statement 1: They cover only religious beliefs but not religious practices and rituals.
This statement is incorrect. The Right to Freedom of Religion, as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, covers not only religious beliefs but also religious practices and rituals. Article 25 guarantees every individual the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their religion. This means that individuals have the freedom to not only believe in a particular religion but also to observe and follow its rituals and practices.
Statement 2: No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution administered by the State.
This statement is incorrect. The Indian Constitution does not prohibit religious instruction in educational institutions administered by the State. Article 28(1) states that no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds. However, Article 28(3) allows religious instruction to be provided in educational institutions that are not wholly maintained out of State funds, but attendance in such religious instruction is optional for students.
Therefore, both statements are incorrect and the correct answer is option 'D' - Neither 1 nor 2.
To summarize:
- The Right to Freedom of Religion covers both religious beliefs and practices.
- Religious instruction is not prohibited in educational institutions administered by the State, but it is optional for students and cannot be provided in institutions wholly maintained out of State funds.
Note: It is important to note that while answering UPSC questions, it is advisable to provide concise and precise explanations within the word limit specified.
Consider the following statements with reference to the Right to Free...
- 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 mold 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 a right to convert another person to one’s own religion.
From the above, it is clear that Article 25 covers not only religious beliefs but also religious practices (rituals). Moreover, these rights are available to all persons–citizens as well as non-citizens. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. However, these rights are subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions relating to fundamental rights. Further, the State is permitted 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.
Under Article 28, no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds. However, this provision shall not apply to an educational institution administered by the State but established under any endowment or trust, requiring imparting of religious instruction in such institution. Hence statement 2 is not correct. Further, no person attending any educational institution recognized by the State or receiving aid out of State funds shall be required to attend any religious instruction or worship in that institution without his consent. Thus, Article 28 distinguishes between four types of educational institutions: - Institutions wholly maintained by the State.
- Institutions administered by the State but established under any endowment or trust.
- Institutions recognized by the State.
- Institutions receiving aid from the State.
In (1) religious instruction is completely prohibited while in (2), religious instruction is permitted. In (3) & (4) religious instruction is permitted on a voluntary basis.
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