The correct answer is Article 28 of the Constitution of India, which totally forbids any religious instruction in educational institutions that are wholly maintained out of State funds.
Text and Interpretation of Article 28:
Article 28 of the Indian Constitution deals with the freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions. It provides the following provisions:
1. Clause (1):
No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds.
2. Clause (2):
Nothing in clause (1) shall apply to an educational institution which is administered by the State but has been established under any endowment or trust which requires that religious instruction shall be imparted in such institution.
3. Clause (3):
No person attending any educational institution recognized by the State or receiving aid out of State funds shall be required to take part in any religious instruction or attend any religious worship unless such person or, if a minor, his guardian has given consent.
Significance:
Article 28 is a safeguard to maintain the secular character of the Indian State. It ensures that public funds are not used to promote religious education in State-run schools, thereby protecting the rights of individuals from compulsory religious indoctrination in government-funded institutions.
Conclusion:
The Article that totally forbids religious instruction in institutions wholly maintained by the State is Article 28.