Balancing Articles 25–28 with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution: Religious Freedom vs. Uniform Civil Code

Abstract

A careful balance between the goals of the state and individual liberties is embodied in the Indian Constitution. While Article 44 envisions a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to further national integration, gender equity, and secularism, Articles 25–28 safeguard religious liberties, giving people and communities the ability to proclaim, practise, and spread their faith. This essay examines the seeming contradiction between these constitutional clauses, examining how the state's attempts to provide consistency in personal rules may coexist with religious autonomy. The study offers a stepwise and inclusive strategy to balance these conflicting principles without compromising India's diverse character by analysing court rulings, legislative initiatives, and comparative viewpoints.