‘Freedom of Religion’ Acts Vs Article 25
Why it Matters?
Supreme Court is hearing pleas that have raised questions on the right to faith, marriage & personal liberty in a democracy as state governments bring in strict legislations against unlawful religious conversion.
What you should know?
Supreme court in Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. & Others (2018) (popularly known as Hadiya case) recognised the right to marriage as part of the fundamental right under Article 21.
Article 25(1) says state can place restrictions on freedom of religion on grounds of
public order, morality and health and
to the other provisions which are related to Fundamental rights.
Article 25 of the Constitution of India is available to both citizens as well as citizens of any foreign nation currently in India.
Freedom of Religion acts:
The first state in India to enact a Freedom of Religion Act (anti-conversion law) was Odisha in 1967.
These prohibit religious conversions achieved through force, inducement, or fraudulent means.
Recently 10 states have enacted acts of such kind.