I was prevented from entering a Howrah temple because of my religion. Doesn't the Constitution protect this?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Yes, the Constitution of India provides protection against discrimination based on religion, and this includes the right to access places of worship.

Under Article 15 of the Constitution, discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth is prohibited. This means that you cannot be denied entry to a temple simply because of your religion. Here are the key points regarding your situation:

• Article 15: This article explicitly states that the State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. This also applies to access to public places, including temples.
• Article 25: This article guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. It ensures that individuals have the right to enter and worship in any religious institution.
• Right to Equality: The Constitution enshrines the right to equality under Article 14, which states that the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
• Legal Recourse: If you are denied entry to a temple based on your religion, you can file a complaint with the local police or approach the courts for protection of your rights. The Supreme Court has held in various judgments that places of worship should be open to all, regardless of their religion.
• Relevant Case Law: The landmark case of Indian Young Lawyers Association v. The State of Kerala (2018) reaffirmed the principle of non-discrimination in places of worship, emphasizing that all citizens should have the right to access religious sites without any discrimination.

In conclusion, the Constitution of India protects your right to enter a temple regardless of your religion, and any denial of access based on religious discrimination is unconstitutional. You may seek legal recourse if you encounter such discrimination.