Right to Freedom of Religion: No State Can Prescribe What Faith Looks Like
- ByAdmin --
- 09 Apr 2025 --
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In January 2025, a 19-year-old student from Madhya Pradesh was denied entry to her college classroom for wearing a hijab.
The management claimed it was against their "dress code."
She went to court — and the Supreme Court stood firmly with her.
The Verdict
The Court held that:
- Article 25 protects not only belief but its expression
- Personal manifestations of religion cannot be overruled by institutional policies unless there’s a compelling reason
- Dress codes must be inclusive, especially in publicly funded institutions
What the Court Said
“Faith is not a uniform. It cannot be defined by committee.”
The Court also emphasized pluralism and secularism as core values of the Constitution.
Key Legal Angle
- Reaffirmed the test of “essential religious practices”
- Balanced freedom of religion with public order and discipline
- Ensured minority rights aren’t trampled by majoritarian norms
This case became a defining moment in individual religious expression vs institutional conformity.
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