01Polity & Governance·7 min read·Prelims · Mains
Any casteist exclusion cannot be part of religion, says Supreme Court
This Supreme Court observation is significant for constitutional law examination. Prelims may test Article 25 provisions on freedom of conscience and the state's power to regulate religious practices that perpetuate caste discrimination. Mains questions could focus on the tension between religious community practices and fundamental rights, the Special Marriage Act framework, and gender discrimination in religious institutions. The Constitution Bench hearing elevates this to landmark territory, making it essential for UPSC and state PSC preparation on rights issues and judicial review.
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna observed that any casteist practice cannot be termed a religious practice under Article 25 of the Constitution
- The Supreme Court is hearing Goolrokh Gupta's case through a Constitution Bench tagged with the Sabarimala review petitions
- Gupta was barred from entering the Parsi fire temple (Agiari) after marrying a Hindu under the Special Marriage Act