The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice, and propagate religion. These rights are available to all persons (citizens and non-citizens) but are subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions of Part III.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Constitution does not impose a blanket prohibition on the practice of religion in public spaces. The right to practice religion includes the performance of rituals and ceremonies, which may occur in public, provided they do not violate public order, morality, or health.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Article 25(1) explicitly grants every person the right to freely profess their religion. To profess means to declare one's religious beliefs and faith openly and freely.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Article 25(1) also grants the right to propagate one's religion. This implies the right to transmit or disseminate one's religious beliefs to others or to expound the tenets of one's religion. However, as clarified by the Supreme Court in the Rev. Stanislaus vs. State of Madhya Pradesh case, this does not include the right to convert another person forcibly, as that would infringe on the "freedom of conscience" of the other individual.
Key Takeaway:
Article 25 secures the rights to conscience, profession, practice, and propagation of religion for all persons, subject to reasonable restrictions based on public order, morality, and health.