The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Indian Constitution adopts a model of "principled distance" rather than strict separation between religion and the State. While it guarantees religious freedom, it grants the State specific powers to intervene in religious matters to ensure social welfare, reform, and the protection of individual rights.
Statement 1 is Correct:
The Indian State recognizes and permits the existence of distinct personal laws for different religious communities (e.g., Hindu Personal Law, Muslim Personal Law). These laws govern matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption based on religious scriptures and customs.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
The State is not constitutionally barred from intervening in personal laws. Article 25(2)(b) explicitly empowers the State to make laws providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus. The enactment of the Hindu Code Bills in the 1950s and the recent legislation criminalizing Triple Talaq are examples of State intervention.
Statement 3 is Correct:
Article 25, which guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, is expressly subject to "public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part" (Part III). This means that religious practices and the personal laws deriving from them must not violate other Fundamental Rights, such as the Right to Equality (Article 14) and the Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21).
Key Takeaway:
Religious freedom in India is not absolute. It is subject to public order, morality, health, and other Fundamental Rights. The State retains the constitutional power to reform personal laws to eradicate social evils and ensure equality.