New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has made it clear that public roads cannot be blocked for religious activities, asserting that the State is empowered to step in whenever such actions disrupt civic life or public order.
Religious Freedom Not Above Public Order
The bench underlined that while religious denominations have autonomy in matters of worship, such rights do not extend to obstructing roads or interfering with essential public functions.
SC ने कहा, धार्मिक गतिविधियों के नाम पर सड़कों को अवरुद्ध नहीं किया जा सकता।
अदालत ने स्पष्ट किया कि आम नागरिकों की गतिविधियां बाधित होने पर सरकार हस्तक्षेप कर सकती है।
CJI सूर्यकांत की अध्यक्षता में 9 न्यायाधीशों की संविधान पीठ ने सुनवाई के दौरान यह टिप्पणी की।#SC pic.twitter.com/Z5Zy5BULNc
— आकाशवाणी समाचार (@AIRNewsHindi) April 28, 2026
State Can Intervene, Says Court
Justice B.V. Nagarathna observed that organising religious events cannot justify the blocking of public thoroughfares. She emphasised that the government has the authority—and responsibility—to regulate such situations when they affect the rights of others.
The court reiterated that while it does not interfere in how religious practices are conducted, it can step in when secular rights are impacted.
Need for Regulation and Structure
The bench also stressed that the right to manage religious institutions does not imply a lack of oversight. It called for proper norms and regulatory mechanisms to ensure that religious activities are conducted in an orderly manner without violating constitutional principles.
Articles 25 and 26 Under Scrutiny
During the proceedings, counsels debated the extent of protections under Article 25 and Article 26, particularly concerning religious practices and administrative control.
The court reaffirmed that while religious freedoms are guaranteed, they are subject to constitutional limits, including public order, morality, and non-discrimination.
The hearing in the matter is set to continue, with the court expected to further clarify the balance between faith and fundamental rights.
