Consider the following statements withrespect to Freedom of Religion e...
- Freedom of Religion is a Fundamental Right provided under Articles 25-28 of the Constitution. Freedom of religion also includes the freedom of conscience. This means that a person may choose any religion or may choose not to follow any religion. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Freedom of Religion includes the right to not just practice one’s religion but also to propagate it. This includes persuading people to join one’s religion and willful conversion from one religion to another. The Constitution bars forceful conversions and conversions done by inducements. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
- Freedom of Religion is available to not just Indian citizens but also to foreign nationals residing within Indian territory. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Consider the following statements withrespect to Freedom of Religion e...
Explanation:
The correct answer is option A, i.e., statement 1 only.
Freedom of Religion:
Freedom of religion is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of India under Article 25-28. It guarantees the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate any religion of one's choice. Let's analyze each statement given in the question to understand their correctness.
1. It includes the freedom to not follow any religion:
This statement is correct. Freedom of religion includes the freedom to not follow any religion. It upholds the principle of secularism, ensuring that individuals have the right to choose their religious beliefs or not have any religious beliefs at all. This freedom is fundamental to the idea of personal autonomy and individual liberty.
2. It bars all religious conversions:
This statement is incorrect. Freedom of religion does not bar religious conversions. In fact, it guarantees the right to propagate and convert to any religion of one's choice. However, conversion by force, fraud, or inducement is not protected under this right. The state can regulate such conversions to prevent any coercion or undue influence.
3. It is not applicable to foreign nationals:
This statement is incorrect. Freedom of religion applies to all individuals, irrespective of their nationality. The Constitution of India grants equal rights and protection to both citizens and foreigners within its territory. Therefore, foreign nationals also enjoy the freedom to practice and propagate their religion, subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by the state for the maintenance of public order, morality, and health.
To summarize, statement 1 is correct as it includes the freedom to not follow any religion. Statement 2 is incorrect as freedom of religion allows religious conversions, except those done by force or fraud. Statement 3 is incorrect as freedom of religion applies to both citizens and foreign nationals. Therefore, the correct answer is option A, i.e., statement 1 only.
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