Right to propagate religion
Topic: Fundamental Rights and Constitutional Remedies · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Rights in the Indian Constitution"
Meaning
The right to propagate religion is the right under Article 25(1) to spread one's religious beliefs, for example by preaching or explaining them. It sits alongside the rights to profess and practise religion. It is subject to public order, morality and health. It does not include a right to convert others, as the Supreme Court held in Rev. Stainislaus v. State of Madhya Pradesh (1977).
Example
A preacher may speak about their faith in public. A law that punishes conversion by force, fraud or inducement does not violate this right, as the Supreme Court held in 1977 about the Odisha and Madhya Pradesh laws.
Don't confuse with
- Right to convert: there is no fundamental right to convert another person. Propagation means spreading the message, not changing someone's faith for them.
Related concepts
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of conscience
- Rev. Stainislaus case
- Anti-conversion laws
- State regulation of religious practice
- Freedom to manage religious affairs
- Religious denomination
- Freedom from taxes for promotion of religion
- Freedom as to religious instruction
- Cultural and educational rights