In Brief
The Odisha Vikash Parishad challenged restrictions on the Rath Yatra (religious procession) imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supreme Court upheld the state's ban on Rath Yatra and all associated secular and religious activities throughout Odisha for that year. The Court held that while Article 25 guarantees freedom of conscience and religious practice, this right is not absolute. During public health emergencies, the state may impose reasonable restrictions on religious gatherings to protect public health. The prohibition applies throughout the State, not just temple towns.
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