Supreme Court Begins Long-Awaited Sabarimala Review Hearings Today
Synopsis
As the Supreme Court initiates hearings on the Sabarimala review case, a nine-judge Constitution Bench will address significant questions surrounding religious freedom and the rights of women. This pivotal case could reshape the landscape of religious practices in India.
Key Takeaways
The Supreme Court is reviewing the Sabarimala case, which has long-standing implications for women's rights.
A nine-judge Constitution Bench is set to deliberate on crucial questions of religious freedom.
The hearings will address multiple religious issues beyond Sabarimala.
The Court emphasizes strict adherence to timelines for submissions and arguments.
Support for the review petitions has been voiced by the Union government.
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) As the hearings commence today, the Supreme Court has officially announced the formation of a nine-judge Constitution Bench to address the long-overdue Sabarimala review case.
According to the cause list released on the Supreme Court's official website, the bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, will deliberate on the reference stemming from review petitions against its September 2018 ruling, which allowed women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. This case raises crucial questions regarding religious freedoms.
The nine-judge bench, which includes Justices B.V. Nagarathna, M.M. Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, A.G. Masih, Prasanna B. Varale, R. Mahadevan, and Joymalya Bagchi, is set to start its proceedings at 10:30 a.m. in the Chief Justice’s court at the Supreme Court.
In addition to the Sabarimala matter, the apex court is also anticipated to explore wider constitutional issues concerning the extent of religious freedom under Article 25. This includes topics such as the entry of Muslim women into mosques and dargahs, the rights of Parsi women to access fire temples post-interfaith marriage, the legitimacy of excommunication practices, and the legality of female genital mutilation within the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Previously, the CJI Surya Kant-led bench scheduled a comprehensive agenda for the hearings and confirmed that the maintainability of the reference has been firmly established. They also outlined seven significant legal questions for examination.
The hearing schedule indicates that arguments from those supporting the review petitions will be presented from April 7 to April 9, followed by counterarguments from opponents of the review between April 14 and April 16.
Any rejoinder submissions will be addressed on April 21, with final arguments from the amicus curiae anticipated to wrap up on April 22.
The Supreme Court has instructed all parties to submit their written arguments in advance and has stressed the importance of adhering to deadlines, noting that matters before the Constitution Bench are critically significant.
Leading up to the hearings, written submissions from the Travancore Devaswom Board have urged the Supreme Court to adopt a “community-centric” approach to religion, arguing that courts should avoid reinterpreting faith-based practices and questioning the ongoing applicability of the “essential religious practices” doctrine.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the second-highest law officer in the Centre, has informed the apex court that the Union government supports the review petitions.
Point of View
Today's hearings represent a crucial juncture in the ongoing discourse about religious freedom and women's rights in India. The Supreme Court's examination of the Sabarimala case could set important precedents that resonate across various religious communities, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to faith and constitutional rights.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Sabarimala review case?
The Sabarimala review case addresses critical questions regarding women's rights and religious freedoms, particularly the entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa temple.
Who comprises the nine-judge Constitution Bench?
The bench includes Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices B.V. Nagarathna, M.M. Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, A.G. Masih, Prasanna B. Varale, R. Mahadevan, and Joymalya Bagchi.
What broader issues will the Supreme Court examine?
The Court will explore issues related to religious freedom under Article 25, including the entry of women into mosques and the rights of women in various religious contexts.
When will the hearings take place?
The hearings will run from April 7 to April 22, with specific schedules for supporting and opposing arguments.
What has the Travancore Devaswom Board urged the Court to consider?
They have urged for a community-centric understanding of religion, arguing against the re-interpretation of faith-based practices.
