Freedom of Religion under Indian Constitution...

Freedom of Religion under Indian Constitution: An Assessment

Author Name : Dr. Amaresh Chandra Sahoo

ABSTRACT

Secularism became ideal in religious India due to communalism because the former was understood as an answer to the latter. Various fundamental rights are provided as well as guaranteed by our Indian Constitution under Part III. Amongst them, freedom of religion is also the one provided which is given under Article 25-28 of the Indian Constitution. India is one of the most diverse nations in terms of religion, it being the birth place of four major world religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Right to Freedom Religion and the concept of secular State and granting of religious freedom developed out of many different historical situations and philosophical impulses. The term ‘religion’ has not been defined in the Constitution and it is hardly susceptible of any rigid definition. Though religion remains important in India, and still exists in the public sphere, the country has successfully retained its secular character.

Key words: Secularism, Perception, Sarva Dharma Samabhava, non sectarian, Constituent Assembly, fundamental rights, ideal, retained, communalism, and philosophical impulses.