The article of the Indian Constitution that guarantees the right to manage religious affairs is:

• Article 26   

Here's a breakdown:

• Article 26 of the Indian Constitution provides "Freedom to manage religious affairs." It gives every religious denomination or any section thereof the right to:
  • Establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes.   
  • Manage its own affairs in matters of religion.   
  • Own and acquire movable and immovable property.   
  • Administer such property in accordance with the law.   

Therefore, Article 26 is the correct answer.

✅ Correct Answer: Article 26

📘 Detailed Explanation:

The right to manage religious affairs is specifically granted under Article 26 of the Constitution of India. This article is part of the Right to Freedom of Religion, covered under Articles 25 to 28.

🔹 Article 26 – Freedom to manage religious affairs

Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right—

(a) to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes;
(b) to manage its own affairs in matters of religion;
(c) to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and
(d) to administer such property in accordance with law.

✅ This article empowers religious denominations to independently manage their own religious institutions and practices, within the bounds of law.

❌ Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

The correct answer is:

✅ Article 26

Detailed Explanation:

1. Constitutional Provisions

• Article 26 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to manage religious affairs under the heading "Freedom to manage religious affairs".
• It grants religious denominations/groups the autonomy to:
• Establish and maintain religious institutions.
• Manage their own religious affairs.
• Own and acquire movable/immovable property.
• Administer such property in accordance with law.

2. Key Differences from Other Articles

3. Judicial Interpretation

• Shirur Mutt Case (1954): SC ruled that Article 26 protects essential religious practices (e.g., rituals, administration of religious bodies).
• Sabrimala Case (2018): Highlighted the balance between religious autonomy (Article 26) and constitutional morality.

4. Why Not Other Options?

• Article 25: Covers individual worship, not institutional management.
• Article 27/28: Deal with financial/educational aspects, not administration.

5. Practical Examples

Denominational rights:

• Hindu mutts managing their temples.
• Muslim waqf boards administering properties.
• Christian dioceses running churches.

Final Answer:

✅ Article 26 (Guarantees the right to manage religious affairs for religious groups.)

Did You Know?
Article 26(b) allows religious groups to exclude outsiders from their institutions (e.g., private temples for specific communities).