PART III FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS · Right to Freedom of Religion

Article 27: Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion

No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes, the proceeds of which are specifically appropriated in payment of expenses for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination.

Leading cases

Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowments, Madras v. Sri Lakshmindra Thirtha Swamiar of Sri Shirur Mutt (1954)The Court held that Articles 25 and 26 protect religious practices as well as beliefs, struck down several provisions of the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951, and held the Section 76 contribution a tax, not a fee.

Questions on this article

1 question in 3 of our papers cite Article 27.

Practise questions on Constitutional Law