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2026
Modern
Constitutional state · 2026
Constitution of India
Part III — Fundamental Rights
Article26

Freedom to manage religious affairs

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.

In plain language

A religious denomination can run its own institutions and manage its own religious affairs, again within public order, morality, and health.

This wording has been in force since 1950 on this desk.

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Part IIIFundamental Rights