• A NARAYANASWAMY

ABSTRACT: The unique feature of India is Unity in diversity with different religious beliefs and practices. Religious freedom is considered a fundamental human right guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. It states that every citizen of India has the right practice and any religion. As per 2011 census report of India, Hindus represent nearly 80% of the total population. On the other hand, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism together recognized as religious minorities, which represent nearly 20% of the total population. Indeed, there are some special Constitutional provisions provided to religious minorities under Article 29 and 30 of the Indian Constitution to protect their culture, language and educational rights. Though the Minorities have granted exclusive rights, they have been facing a lot of issues. For instances the feeling of insecurity, communal rights and conflicts, attacks in the name of cow slaughtering, lack of proper representation in politics, lack of basic amenities etc. Perhaps, Judiciary plays a vital role in case of violation of their fundamental rights, and they can approach the Supreme Court and High Courts under Articles 32 and Article 226. Besides, the National Commission for Minorities, the National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commissions have empowered to protect their rights.

Indian Constitution, Judiciary, Religious Minorities, & Rights.

"THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN SAFEGUARDING THE RIGHTS OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IN INDIA- A CRITICAL STUDY.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no.150-161, May-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905G22.pdf

"THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN SAFEGUARDING THE RIGHTS OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IN INDIA- A CRITICAL STUDY.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no. pp150-161, May-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905G22.pdf