Part III—Fundamental Rights.—Arts. 22–26.
- (b) the maximum period for which any person may in any class or classes of cases be detained under any law providing for preventive detention; and
- (c) the procedure to be followed by an Advisory Board in an inquiry under sub-clause (a) of clause (4):
Right against Exploitation
Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour.
23. (1) Traffic in human beings and begar and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.
(2) Nothing this article prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such service the State shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class or any of them.
Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.
24. No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.
Right to Freedom of Religion
Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagate religion.
25. (1) Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise of religion.
(2) Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making any law—
- (a) regulating or restricting any economic, financial, political or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice;
- (b) providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.
Explanation I.—The wearing and carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion.
Explanation. II.—In sub-clause (b) of clause (2), the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a re.erence to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly.
Freedom to man age religions affairs
26. Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right—
- (a) to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes;
- (b) to manage its own affairs in matters of religion;
- (c) to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and
- (d) to administer such property in accordance with law.
