Q. With reference to the Secular character of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements is incorrect?

[A] All citizens are equally entitled to liberty of belief, faith and worship.

[B] All minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

[C] All people are equally required to pay taxes for the promotion of their religion.

[D] The State shall not deny any person equality before the law or equal protection of the laws.

Answer: C
Notes:

Exp) Option c is the correct answer.

The Constitution of India stands for a secular state. Hence, it does not uphold any particular religion as the official religion of the Indian State. The following provisions of the Constitution reveal the secular character of the Indian State:

  • The term ‘secular’ was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
  • The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of belief, faith and worship. Hence, option a is correct.
  • The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection of the laws (Article 14). Hence, option d is correct.
  • The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on the ground of religion (Article 15).
  • Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of public employment (Article 16).
  • All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate any religion (Article 25).
  • Every religious denomination or any of its section shall have the right to manage its religious affairs (Article 26).
  • No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes for the promotion of a particular religion (Article 27). Hence, option c is incorrect. • No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution maintained by the State (Article 28).
  • Any section of the citizens shall have the right to conserve its distinct language, script or culture (Article 29).
  • All minorities shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice (Article 30). Hence, option b is correct.
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