New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is set to initiate hearings concerning the Sabarimala review on April 7.

The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, is addressing a series of review petitions challenging its September 2018 ruling that allowed women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. A comprehensive schedule aims for concluding arguments by April 22.

All parties involved have been instructed to submit their written arguments by March 14.

“Concerns had previously been raised regarding the maintainability of the reference, which this court resolved in February 2020, confirming that a larger Bench can be consulted in review cases,” the Bench, which includes Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, stated.

Referring to the order dated February 10, 2020, the apex court noted that seven legal questions had already been outlined for a nine-judge Bench's consideration.

“In this context, and with the intent to finally resolve the outstanding legal questions in these matters, we mandate the parties to file their written submissions by 14.03.2026,” the order declared.

According to the schedule established by the Supreme Court, parties in favor of the review petitions will present their arguments from April 7 to April 9, while those against the review will argue from April 14 to April 16.

Any rebuttal submissions will be addressed on April 21, followed by concluding submissions from the amicus curiae, expected to end on April 22.

“The parties are required to follow this schedule. The lead counsels, in collaboration with the arguing counsels, shall arrange for the internal organization to ensure that oral submissions from both sides are heard within the designated timeline,” instructed the CJI Kant-led Bench.

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court emphasized that the Constitution Bench hearings were “of utmost importance” and urged both sides to keep their schedules open for the specified dates.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the second-highest law officer of the Centre, informed the apex court of the Union government's support for the review petitions, stating, “We are backing the review,” SG Mehta asserted.

The apex court appointed advocate-on-Record Shivam Singh to assist amicus curiae K. Parmeswar in preparing the written submissions that reflect the perspectives of all parties involved.

The composition of the nine-judge Constitution Bench will be communicated separately by the Chief Justice of India, who oversees the roster, through an administrative directive.

In addition to the Sabarimala matter, related issues include the entry of Muslim women into mosques and dargahs, the rights of Parsi women to enter Fire Temples after marrying outside their community, the validity of excommunication practices, and the legality of female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community.