Centre clarified the scope of Article 25(1) in the Supreme Court

¨  The Government of India told a nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India that Article 25(1) of the Constitution protects freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise, and propagate religion.

¨     According to the Centre, Article 25(1) is not directly related to gender equality.

¨     The Bench was headed by Justice Surya Kant.

¨     The hearings continued for 16 days over a period of five weeks.

¨     Article 25(1) is part of Part III of the Constitution of India.

¨     It guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise, and propagate religion.

¨ Article 25(2) allows the State to regulate or restrict secular activities associated with religious practices.

¨     It also permits provisions for social welfare and reform.

¨     Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds including sex.

¨     Article 15 deals with equality and non-discrimination.

¨     Article 16 ensures equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.

¨    The Centre argued that religious denominations can prescribe different modes of worship, belief, and rituals for men and women under Article 25(1).

¨     The argument emphasised denominational autonomy.

¨ Denominational autonomy is a recognised constitutional concept in Indian religious freedom jurisprudence.