With regard to the Right to Freedom of Religion, answer the following questions: (a) What does Freedom of Conscience mean?

The questions given above with regard to the Right to Freedom of Religion are answered as under: 

(a) Article 25 guarantees to every person freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice and propagate religion. The wearing and carrying of ‘Kirpan’ is included in the profession of the Sikh religion. But restriction may be imposed by the State in the interests of morality, health and public order. Thereby, no one is allowed to hurt the religious feelings of any class of citizens in India. 

(b) The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes. Every religious sect has the right to own and acquire movable and immovable property. These rights also are subject to public order, morality, and health. 

(c) Public funds cannot be utilized by any institution to propagate religious instruction, especially when the institution is wholly maintained out of State Funds. Nevertheless, for State-aided or State-recognised institutions, there is no bar for giving religious instruction. But, no person can be required to take part in any religious instruction unless such person has his consent, or if he is a minor, consent of his guardian has been obtained. The Constitution, thus, aims to establish a Secular State.