1. “Religious freedom in India is not absolute but subject to constitutional morality.” Discuss in the context of judicial intervention in temple practices
| Syllabus: General Studies – IV: Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance |
IN NEWS: The Constitution enters the sanctum
India’s Constitution guarantees religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26 as part of its secular framework. However, these freedoms are not absolute and are subject to public order, morality, health, and other fundamental rights. The judiciary has increasingly invoked the doctrine of constitutional morality to examine religious practices, especially in temple entry, administration, and social reform issues.
Constitutional Framework Governing Religious Freedom
- Article 25: Freedom of conscience and right to profess, practice and propagate religion; subject to public order, morality, health and other fundamental rights.
- Article 26: Rights of religious denominations to manage religious affairs.
- Article 14 & 15: Equality before law and prohibition of discrimination.
- Article 17: Abolition of untouchability.
- Article 25(2)(b): Allows State intervention for social welfare and reform, including opening temples to all classes.
Thus, religious freedom exists within a constitutional framework promoting equality and social justice.
Concept of Constitutional Morality
- Rooted in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s constitutional vision.
- Implies adherence to core constitutional values:
- Equality and non-discrimination
- Individual dignity
- Liberty and fraternity
- Social reform.
- Courts use this principle to ensure religious practices align with constitutional ideals.
Judicial Intervention in Temple Practices: Key Cases
1. Sabarimala Temple Case (Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala, 2018)
- Ban on entry of women aged 10–50 declared unconstitutional.
- Violated Articles 14, 15, and 25.
- Court held constitutional morality prevails over discriminatory customs.
2. Sri Venkataramana Devaru v. State of Mysore (1958)
- Upheld temple entry rights of lower castes.
- Denominational autonomy subject to social reform.
3. N. Adithayan v. Travancore Devaswom Board (2002)
- Appointment of non-Brahmin priest allowed.
- Court rejected caste-based exclusion.
4. Padmanabhaswamy Temple Case (2020)
- Balanced religious tradition with administrative transparency and accountability.
Essential Religious Practices Doctrine
- Originated in Shirur Mutt Case (1954).
- Courts distinguish essential religious practices from secular aspects.
- Only essential practices receive strong constitutional protection.
Rationale for Judicial Intervention
- Protection of fundamental rights and dignity.
- Removal of caste and gender discrimination.
- Ensuring secular management of temple administration.
- Promoting social reform under constitutional mandate.
Criticisms and Challenges
- Concerns about judicial overreach into faith.
- Difficulty in courts determining theological matters.
- Tension between religious autonomy and individual rights.
- Need for consistent application across religions.
Religious freedom in India is expansive but constitutionally regulated. Judicial intervention in temple practices demonstrates the transformative nature of the Constitution, ensuring that traditions evolve in harmony with equality, dignity, and constitutional morality while maintaining respect for religious diversity.
| PYQ REFERENCE Q. “Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and maturity of sense of rule of law.” Examine this statement in the light of the role of civil servants in upholding constitutional morality, promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration. (2025) |
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-constitution-enters-the-sanctum/article70618867.ece
2. Examine the pathways available for India to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2070 in the power sector. Highlight the role of storage technologies and clean baseload power.
| Syllabus: General Studies – III: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
IN NEWS: Renewables to dominate India’s grid by 2070, but ‘structural challenges’ are slowing the pace
India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, recognizing the power sector as a key driver of decarbonisation due to its significant share in greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning from coal-dominated electricity generation to low-carbon sources requires a multi-dimensional strategy combining renewable expansion, clean baseload power, energy storage and grid modernization.
Pathways for Achieving Net-Zero in the Power Sector
1. Rapid Expansion of Renewable Energy
- Scaling solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy capacity.
- Renewable energy is expected to form the backbone of future electricity generation.
- Helps reduce carbon intensity and dependence on fossil fuels.
2. Gradual Phase-down of Coal
- Coal remains crucial for near-term energy security and base-load power.
- Transition involves:
- Reducing new coal additions.
- Improving efficiency of existing plants.
- Deploying cleaner technologies like supercritical plants.
3. Electrification and Demand Management
- Electrification of transport and industry increases electricity demand.
- Smart grids and demand response mechanisms to optimize energy use.
4. Deployment of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
- Enables decarbonisation of residual fossil fuel-based power.
- Important fallback option if renewable or nuclear expansion slows.
5. Grid Modernisation and Transmission Expansion
- Integrating large-scale renewable energy requires strong transmission infrastructure.
- Digital grid management to handle variability.
Role of Energy Storage Technologies:
Energy storage is central to managing intermittency of renewable energy.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Store surplus renewable power and supply during peak demand.
- Improve grid flexibility and reliability.
- Expected to scale massively to support high renewable penetration.
Pumped Storage Hydropower
- Provides long-duration storage.
- Stabilises grid frequency and balances supply-demand fluctuations.
Hydrogen and Other Emerging Storage
- Green hydrogen as seasonal storage and industrial fuel.
- Supports deep decarbonisation.
Role of Clean Baseload Power
Baseload power provides continuous electricity independent of weather conditions.
Nuclear Energy
- Carbon-free and reliable.
- Provides firm baseload power to complement intermittent renewables.
- Advanced reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can enhance deployment flexibility.
Hydropower
- Flexible generation and balancing capability.
- Supports peak demand management.
Decarbonised Thermal Power
- Coal plants with CCUS may act as backup during transition.
Challenges
- High capital costs for nuclear and storage technologies.
- Land acquisition and environmental clearances.
- Grid integration complexities.
- Financing and technological barriers.
- Balancing affordability with sustainability.
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 requires a balanced approach combining renewable expansion, clean baseload power such as nuclear energy, and large-scale storage deployment. By strengthening grid infrastructure and investing in emerging technologies, India can ensure energy security while transitioning to a low-carbon power system.
| PYQ REFERENCE Q. Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain. (2022) |