New Delhi: Article 26 of the Constitution of India guarantees every religious denomination, or any section thereof, the freedom to manage its own religious affairs, subject to certain constitutional limitations.
Under Article 26, religious denominations have the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes. They also have the right to own and acquire movable and immovable property and to administer such property in accordance with the law.
While Article 25 primarily protects the individual’s freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion, Article 26 safeguards the collective religious freedom of denominations and their sections.
However, the freedoms guaranteed under Article 26 are subject to public order, morality and health. These provisions ensure that the exercise of religious freedoms remains consistent with the broader constitutional framework and the interests of society.
