SATYA RANJAN MAJHI vs STATE OF ORISSA .

The Supreme Court dismissed the special leave petition challenging the validity of Sections 2 and 7 of the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, and Rules 4 and 5 of the Orissa Freedom of Religion Rules, 1989. The Court reiterated that Article 25 does not grant a fundamental right to convert others to one's religion, emphasizing the balance of freedom of conscience among all citizens. The petitioners failed to raise specific grounds against the vires of the Rules before the High Court, and the Court held that the contention regarding ultra vires could not be raised for the first time at this stage.