SC Sabarimala Case Hearing Continues on Women Entry Issue

Supreme Court Sabarimala case hearing enters fourth day as women’s entry debate intensifies; Centre backs traditional restrictions

Hearing Enters Day Four

The Supreme Court on Wednesday continued hearing the long-standing Sabarimala case, focusing on the contentious issue of women’s entry into the temple. The matter is being heard by a nine-judge Constitution Bench, with arguments supporting women’s entry scheduled between April 14 and April 16.

The case remains one of the most closely watched legal battles in India, touching upon religious freedom, gender equality, and constitutional rights.

Arguments From Both Sides

During earlier hearings held from April 7 to April 9, arguments opposing women’s entry were presented. The Centre argued that courts should refrain from interfering in religious customs, stating that several temples dedicated to goddesses restrict entry to men.

Petitioners supporting women’s entry are now presenting their case, asserting that barring women amounts to discrimination and violates fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

Bench Observations Noted

The Constitution Bench observed that access to places of worship should be available to all individuals. Judges indicated that excluding any particular group could have broader social implications and may lead to divisions within society.

The Bench also noted that such exclusions could affect the core values of Hinduism if not examined through a constitutional lens.

Government’s Stand Clear

The Centre has maintained a firm stance, urging the court not to interfere in religious practices. It argued that determining the validity of traditions falls outside the domain of courts and should be left to the legislature.

During the proceedings, the government also contended that courts lack the expertise to categorise religious practices as superstition, reinforcing its position on preserving longstanding customs.

Case Background Explained

The issue dates back to a 1991 Kerala High Court ruling that prohibited women aged between 10 and 50 from entering the Sabarimala Temple. In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down this ban, calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Following the verdict, multiple review petitions were filed, prompting the Supreme Court to refer the matter to a larger bench. The current proceedings aim to address seven key constitutional questions arising from the case.

Linked Issues Under Review

Apart from the Sabarimala case, the court is also examining several related matters involving alleged gender discrimination in religious practices. These include women’s entry into mosques, Parsi fire temples, and issues related to Muslim personal law.

The outcome of these cases is expected to have far-reaching implications for religious freedoms and gender rights across communities.

What Lies Ahead

The hearings are expected to continue over the next few days, with both sides presenting detailed constitutional arguments. A final verdict is likely to take time, given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues involved.

Legal experts suggest that the court’s decision could redefine the balance between religious autonomy and fundamental rights, making it a landmark judgment in India’s constitutional history.

As the Sabarimala case hearing progresses, it remains a key public interest story and a major India news update, drawing attention from across the country and beyond.