Which of the following is/are not central tenet(s) of the Constitution of India? 1. Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion 2. Gives official status to certain religions 3. Provides freedom to profess any religion 4. Ensures equality of all citizens within religious communities Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The Constitution of India establishes a secular state that maintains neutrality and impartiality toward all religions [1]. Statement 1 is a central tenet as Article 15 specifically prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion [4]. Statement 2 is NOT a tenet; unlike countries like Pakistan or England, the Indian Constitution does not grant official or special status to any religion [2]. Statement 3 is a central tenet under Article 25, which guarantees all persons the freedom to conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate any religion [2]. Statement 4 is also a tenet, as the Constitution allows state intervention to ensure equality within religious communities, such as banning untouchability or opening public religious institutions to all sections [3]. Since the question asks for what is NOT a central tenet, only statement 2 is correct.

Sources

1. [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA > p. 138
2. [2] Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Gender, Religion and Caste > Secular state > p. 38
3. [4] https://www.mea.gov.in/images/pdf1/part3.pdf
4. [3] Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS > Right to Freedom of Religion > p. 84