Abstract

India is a multi-lingual and multi-religious nation. From a religious point of view, Indian culture is pluralistic in nature. Persons belonging to different religious communities have worked together in this country for a very long time. Although most of the people living in this country are Hindus, people belonging to other religious communities, such as Muslims, prisoners, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, do enjoy similar freedoms and persecution. Hindus make up the majority while the rest belong to "religious minorities". In the Constitution the word minority is not defined. Literally, it means a non-dominant group. The two main problem typically faced by the minorities are: Firstly, the problem of discrimination and secondly, the problem of preserving specific, social and cultural life. Minorities often feel the need for security and protection. Especially during riots, cast disputes, communal violence etc. Our constitution makers, while framing the laws, have keenly kept in mind the problems faced by the minorities and have made the laws regarding the same. They have not only made laws protecting the unique cultural and religious identities but also for empowering them. Laws relating to the rights of minorities 1. Article 14 – equality before law. 2. Article 15 - prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth 3. Article 16 - equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. 4. Article 21 -protection of life and personal liberty. 5. Article 25 – freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion. 6. Article 26 - freedom to manage religious affairs. 7. Article 29 - protection of interests of minorities. 8. Article 30 - rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institution. In India, minorities are free to live their life the way they want without any fear or pressure due to the secular nature of our country.

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