Judging the Freedom of Religion in India on the Touchtone of Doctrine of Essential Practice Test

Abstract

India is a secular nation where innumerable followers of religions, sects live. The Constitution of India gives the protection for freedom of religion. The protection is not available to all types of religious practices. This protection is available to only those practices which are essential to religion. Whether any religious practice is essential or not? To adjudicate this Indian Supreme Court has adopted the ‘Doctrine of Essential Practice Test’. This paper explore the development of this doctrine in India. This paper has been divide in six parts. First part gives a brief overview about people and their faith and their protection under constitution. Second part deals with the concept of secular state. Third part discuss about the meaning and concept of religion. Fourth part deals freedom of religion under Indian Constitution. Fifth part deals with doctrine of essential practice test. Sixth and last gives the conclusion.