Right to freedom of conscience and free profession is guaranteed to a Hindu that includes which of the following?
1. Buddhist
2. Jaina
3. Sikh
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2019-20
Explanation II to Article 25 states: “In sub-clause (b) of clause (2), the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly.”
Clause 25(2)(b) allows the State to make laws for social welfare and reform or for throwing open Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.
While this explanation is specific to the context of 25(2)(b), it constitutionally defines the term ‘Hindu’ to include Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists for this purpose. The question asks about the right guaranteed to a Hindu *that includes which of the following*. Given the context of Article 25 and this explicit explanation within the article, it is clear that for certain constitutional purposes related to religious practice and social reform, the term Hindu encompasses these three religions.
Therefore, a Hindu, for the purpose of the constitutional framework including Article 25, is understood in this specific context to include persons professing the Buddhist, Jaina, and Sikh religions.