Abstract

The chapter 15 of Indian Penal Code 1890 deals with offences relating to religion, is framed on the principle that every person has full freedom to follow his own religion and that no one is justified to insult religion or religious feelings of another. It makes any deliberate acts perpetrated by persons of one religious persuasion for the insult or annoyance of persons of another persuasion punishable. This chapter of the code seems to be in tune with the constitutional ethos of India. India is a secular state, the Indian constitution accords equal protection to all religion. Article 14 gives right to equality, Article 19(1) gives right to speech and expression, Article 21 gives protection of life and personal liberty and Article 25 of the constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion. All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to propagate, practice and profess the religion of their choice. However, the freedom of religion is not an unlimited one. It is a subject to public order, morality and health.

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