Freedom to manage religious affairs
Also called: Article 26 · Topic: Fundamental Rights and Constitutional Remedies · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Rights in the Indian Constitution"
Meaning
Article 26 gives every religious denomination certain rights. A denomination is a group with a common faith, a common organisation and a distinct name. It may set up and run institutions for religious and charitable purposes, and manage its own religious affairs. It may also own and manage property, in line with the law. These rights are subject to public order, morality and health.
Example
A denomination can run its own mutt or trust and decide its rituals. When it owns land, it must follow land and property laws. In the Shirur Mutt case (1954), the Supreme Court explained what counts as a religious denomination.
Don't confuse with
- Article 25: this gives rights to every individual person. Article 26 gives rights to groups (denominations).
Related concepts
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of conscience
- Right to propagate religion
- Rev. Stainislaus case
- Anti-conversion laws
- State regulation of religious practice
- Religious denomination
- Freedom from taxes for promotion of religion
- Freedom as to religious instruction
- Cultural and educational rights