Constitutional Law in Legal Reasoning: In order to keep the diverse and inclusive nature of India’s political landscape, the Constitution ensures that everyone has the freedom to practice their religion without interference. It firmly opposes the use of public funds to favor any particular religion. The Constitution states that no one should be forced to contribute taxes specifically earmarked for the promotion of a particular religion.

This doesn’t mean the government can’t pass laws to support a religion, but those laws can’t compel individuals to fund them through taxes. However, the Constitution allows the collection of fees for services, like ensuring the well-being of pilgrims at religious fairs. This is acceptable because the goal is not to favor any religion but to manage the secular aspects of religious institutions effectively.

Previous Year Questions of Constitutional Law in Legal Reasoning

Question: Mr. A, a taxpayer who pays different taxes to the State Government, has filed a petition asking the court to stop the government from using public funds to renovate water tanks at a Hindu temple. These tanks are used by everyone, regardless of their religion, for bathing and drinking. Which statement below is correct in this situation?

(A) The government is actively supporting or upholding the Hindu religion.

(B) It’s not accurate to say that the government is actively endorsing or upholding the Hindu religion.

(C) Citizens are being required to pay taxes to contribute to the promotion of the Hindu religion.

(D) Citizens are being obligated to pay taxes to contribute to the upkeep of the Hindu religion.

Question: In a state where communal riots between religions ‘A’ and ‘B’ led to the destruction of places of worship for both communities, the State Government decided to use public funds to restore these sacred sites. Which statement accurately reflects the situation?

(A) The State Government’s action goes against the principles of the Indian Constitution because it appears to favor specific religions.

(B) The State Government’s action is in line with the Constitution of India, as it does not seem to endorse or support any particular religion.

(C) The State Government’s action may be seen as a violation of religious freedom, as it appears to tolerate communal violence.

(D) The State Government’s action does not seem to violate the Constitution of India because it is perceived as supporting or endorsing a specific religion.

Question: In a recent incident of communal riots between followers of religion ‘A’ and religion ‘B’ in the State, a place of worship belonging to religion ‘B’ was destroyed. Subsequently, the State Government decided to use public funds to restore the damaged places of worship for religion ‘B’. In light of this situation, which of the following statements is accurate?

(A) The State Government’s action goes against the principles of the Constitution of India because it appears to favor or uphold a specific religion.

(B) The State Government’s action is argued not to go against the Constitution of India because it is seen as promoting or maintaining a particular religion.

(C) Supporters contend that the State Government’s action is not in violation of the Constitution of India, emphasizing that it does not appear to promote or maintain a specific religion.

(D) Critics argue that the State Government’s action is a breach of freedom of religion, as it is perceived to tolerate communal violence.

Question: How would you describe the situation where a State Government has introduced a mandatory ‘pilgrimage tax’ for all residents, aiming to support the organization of a significant religious pilgrimage primarily attended by followers of religion ‘X’ and attracting participants from across the country each year?

(A) The State Government’s action goes against the spirit of the Indian Constitution because it doesn’t support or preserve religion ‘X’.

(B) The State Government’s action is in line with the Constitution of India as it doesn’t favor or uphold religion ‘X’.

(C) The State Government’s action is against the principles of the Constitution as it forces citizens to contribute taxes for the promotion or preservation of religion ‘X’.

(D) The State Government’s action is not in violation of the Constitution as it is a step taken to ensure the well-being and safety of the pilgrims, prioritizing their health and welfare.

Question: How does the State Legislation aim to enhance the management and governance of specific Hindu religious endowments? Does it involve appointing a statutory authority, the ‘Commissioner of Hindu Religious Endowments,’ and mandating every Hindu temple in the state to make an annual contribution based on a percentage of their income to cover the expenses of the Commissioner and his staff?

(A) It’s in line with the Constitution of India as its aim is to ensure the effective management of religious trusts and institutions, prioritizing proper administration.

(B) It complies with the Constitution of India since its goal is to promote the Hindu religion.

(C) It goes against the Constitution of India as it aims to promote the Hindu religion.

(D) It violates the Constitution of India because its objective doesn’t encompass the administration of religious endowments for all religions.

Answers:

1. B

2. B

3. C

4. C

5. A

Read Also: Fundamental Rights – A Peek at Last Year’s Legal Reasoning Questions