REV. STAINISLAUS vs STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH & ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Madhya Pradesh Dharma Swatantraya Adhiniyam, 1968, and the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, which prohibit forcible conversion and impose penalties for violations. The Court clarified that Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion, but does not include the right to forcibly convert others. The Acts are deemed necessary for maintaining public order, as they prevent potential communal tensions arising from forced conversions.