#religious freedom

Andhra Pradesh High Court rules that state authorities must consider representations for religious festival permissions without undue delay, balancing public order with constitutional rights under Articles 14, 21, and 25. The court directed police to grant permission with necessary safeguards, reinforcing the duty to avoid arbitrary denial of religious freedoms.

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that religious prayers and rituals cannot be curtailed by state authorities absent tangible proof of a threat to public order, reinforcing that fundamental rights under Article 25 are not contingent on administrative discretion. This sets a critical precedent for minority religious groups facing unwarranted interference in places of worship, especially in rural and semi-urban districts.

Madras High Court upholds statutory prohibitions under Article 48 of the Constitution and the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, ruling that cow slaughter-even for religious purposes like Bakrid-must occur only in licensed slaughterhouses. The judgment reinforces that no religious claim can override public health and sanitation regulations, setting a precedent for urban governance and animal protection laws.

Madurai High Court balances religious freedom under Article 25 with public order, allowing cultural programs until 10 PM daily and extending Singari Melam and fireworks until midnight on the final festival day, subject to 14 strict conditions on content, attire, and noise levels. The ruling sets a precedent for regulating temple festivals without curbing religious practices.

Kerala High Court allows Vishu Vela fireworks display subject to Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) guidelines, affirming that cultural rights can coexist with public safety norms. The ruling mandates prior PESO authorization, chemical verification, and designated storage, setting a precedent for festival-related fireworks permissions.

Madras High Court quashed police denial of a temple festival, ruling that cultural/religious expressions cannot be restricted without specific evidence of public order disruption. The judgment reinforces constitutional protections for religious practices and sets a precedent for balancing state regulation with fundamental rights.

Madurai HC rules that temple committees cannot obstruct devotees from participating in festivals even if they refuse to pay customary contributions like 'Thalaikattu Vari'. The court reaffirms that religious practices under Article 25 must remain voluntary, striking down coercive financial demands as unconstitutional.

Madras High Court ruled that the Waqf Board cannot obstruct or impose administrative conditions on a decades-old religious practice of serving food during the 27th night of Ramzan. The court emphasized that religious freedoms under Article 25 must be facilitated, not restricted, ensuring the devotional link between donor and recipient remains unsevered.

Kerala High Court dismisses writ petition seeking permission to hold Hindu spiritual summit at temple ground, upholding Board's circular prohibiting political or communal use of religious premises.

Kerala High Court permits use of two elephants to push chariots in temple festivals, subject to strict anti-cruelty conditions, affirming religious practice within animal welfare bounds.

Bombay High Court holds that slum redevelopment must accommodate religious structures through alternative temple construction, not eviction, under Maharashtra Slum Act.

Kerala High Court holds that temporary fireworks events need not require permanent magazines; portable storage is adequate under safety norms, clarifying regulatory compliance for religious festivals.

Madras High Court holds that the Executive Officer of Tamil Nadu Wakf Board may constitute a volunteer committee to manage religious activities during Ramzan, even without a Muthawalli.

Telangana High Court holds that unexplained administrative delay in approving religious jathara violates Article 14; mandamus issued to consider representation promptly.

High Court of Telangana upholds petitioners' constitutional right to conduct Sammakka Saralamma Jathara on private land, restraining state interference despite pending Section 43 notifications.