Religious issues and their associated judicial judgements
Major Decisions of the Supreme Court on Religion-Based Questions
Ahmedabad St. Xaviers College v. State of Gujarat (1974)
- SC emphasized Article 30, protecting minority rights to administer educational institutions.
- Ensured equality between majority and minority groups in education.
Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1987)
- Upheld freedom under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 25(1) by ruling against mandatory National Anthem singing in schools, respecting individual religious beliefs.
Ismail Faruqui v. Union of India (1994)
- Affirmed the freedom to offer namaz anywhere, rejecting the notion of a mosque as an essential part of Islam’s practice.
- Allowed prayer in non-mosque settings, upholding constitutional principles.
Shafin Jahan v. Ashokan K.M. & Ors. (2018)
- Recognized the right to marry as a fundamental right, irrespective of religious differences.
- Upheld individual autonomy in marital choices.
Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017)
- Declared triple talaq unconstitutional, marking a pivotal step towards gender equality and justice for Muslim women.
- Rejected the practice as non-essential to Islamic faith.
Siddiqi Through LRs v. Mahant Suresh Das (2019)
- Settled the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in favor of the Hindu community, based on possession and uninterrupted worship rights.
- Resolved a longstanding religious dispute with legal clarity.
Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Varanasi vs. Smt. Rakhi Singh and others (2023)
- Permitted the continuation of the Archaeological Survey of Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, addressing concerns over historical and religious sites.
- Demonstrated the judiciary’s role in balancing heritage preservation with religious sentiments.
Way Forward
- Numerous religious disputes await resolution, such as the Hijab dispute among Kerala students and the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi case.
- These cases underscore ongoing challenges in reconciling religious practices with constitutional mandates.
- Continued SC interventions are crucial for maintaining harmony and justice in matters of religious significance.
- In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decisions on religious issues reflect India’s commitment to secularism while respecting diverse faiths. These rulings not only shape legal precedents but also influence societal norms, ensuring a delicate balance between religious freedom and constitutional rights.
