Relevance: GS II (Polity & Constitution) & GS IV (Ethics in Administration) | Source: The Hindu 

1. The Core Issue: What is happening?

The Supreme Court (through a 9-judge Constitution Bench) is currently reviewing the Sabarimala case. While doing so, the judges are discussing a very deep and philosophical question:

• The Boundary of Faith: How much can the judiciary look into religious traditions without violating a citizen’s fundamental right to religious freedom?
• The Ethical Dilemma: When a judge sits in a constitutional court, can they completely separate their own personal religious beliefs from their official duty to the nation?

2. Understanding Article 25: “Conscience” vs. “Religion”

The debate focuses on a very important, yet often missed, detail in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. It guarantees two distinct rights:

• Freedom of Conscience (The Internal Right): This is your inner moral voice. It is your personal freedom to nurse a belief system, thoughts, or moral compass purely inside your mind.
• Freedom of Religion (The External Right): This is how you show your internal belief to the outside world. It includes physical actions like performing rituals, wearing specific clothes, or visiting places of worship.
• The Judge’s Duty: A judge might be deeply religious in their personal life. However, in the courtroom, they must rise above their personal faith. Their only guiding light should be the Constitution, ensuring that basic human rights (like equality and dignity) are protected.

3. The Balancing Act: Courts and Faith

The Supreme Court is facing a tough administrative and legal challenge:

• The Danger of Non-Interference: In the past, courts generally followed a “Do Not Touch” policy regarding religion. But if the court blindly accepts every old tradition, it might end up protecting unfair or discriminatory practices against vulnerable groups.
• The Danger of Over-Interference: On the other hand, the court must not act like a harsh investigator (inquisitor) that destroys the natural freedom and autonomy of a faith. It must find a logical middle ground.

4. Administrative Relevance

Why is this important for future civil servants and policymakers?

• Unique Indian Secularism: In Western countries, the government stays completely out of religion. But Indian secularism is different. The Indian State is legally allowed to intervene in religious practices to bring about positive social reforms (for example, officially banning untouchability or Triple Talaq).
• Constitutional Morality: Because the State has this power, administrators and judges must strictly practice “Constitutional Morality.” This means the values written in the Constitution (equality, liberty, dignity) must always sit higher than personal or societal religious rules.

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