Understanding Fundamental Rights: Articles 25 to 28

The question asks us to identify the incorrect statement among the given options regarding Fundamental Rights, specifically Articles 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution. These articles deal with the Right to Freedom of Religion.

Analyzing the Statements on Freedom of Religion

Let's examine each statement in detail based on the provisions of Articles 25, 26, 27, and 28:

1. Statement 1: "No religions instructions shall be provided in any education institution wholly funded by the state."

   This statement is accurate according to Article 28(1) of the Constitution. Article 28(1) explicitly prohibits the provision of religious instruction in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds.

2. Statement 2: "Secularism is the basic feature of the Constitution."

   While Articles 25-28 embody the principle of secularism, the declaration that secularism is a "basic feature" of the Constitution comes from judicial interpretation by the Supreme Court (notably in the Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973). However, these articles are the cornerstone of secularism as envisioned in the Constitution, ensuring religious freedom and equality. Thus, in the context of these articles representing secularism, this statement is broadly considered true about the Indian Constitution.

3. Statement 3: "State shall not compel any person to pay any taxed which shall to be used to promote and maintain any particular religion."

   This statement is correct and is directly based on Article 27. Article 27 prohibits the State from compelling any person to pay taxes, the proceeds of which are specifically appropriated for the payment of expenses for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination.

4. Statement 4: "This right is available to Indian citizens only."

   This statement is incorrect. The rights guaranteed under Articles 25, 26, 27, and 28 are not limited to Indian citizens alone. Article 25, for instance, states that "all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion". The use of the term "all persons" indicates that these rights are available to both citizens and non-citizens residing in India. Similarly, Article 26 uses "every religious denomination", and Articles 27 and 28 use "no person". Therefore, these fundamental rights related to freedom of religion are available to all persons in India.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of each statement against the provisions of Articles 25 to 28 of the Constitution, Statement 4 is the incorrect one as these rights are available to all persons, not just Indian citizens.