Скачать или смотреть Sabarimala Case Back in Focus | Supreme Court 9-Judge Bench to Hear reference from April 7

A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will begin hearing the Sabarimala reference from April 7, 2026, to decide crucial constitutional questions arising from the temple entry controversy.

The larger Bench will examine seven key issues relating to the scope of religious freedom, the interplay between Articles 25 and 26 and Article 14 of the Constitution, the Essential Religious Practices test, and whether constitutional morality limits religious practices.

The matter stems from the Supreme Court’s September 2018 judgment, where a 5-judge Bench, by a 4:1 majority, allowed entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, overturning the long-standing restriction on women of menstruating age. The verdict triggered widespread protests and multiple review petitions.

In 2019, the Court kept the review petitions pending and referred larger constitutional questions to a nine-judge Bench. Written submissions must now be filed by March 14, 2026, and hearings are scheduled to conclude on April 22, 2026.

The Central Government has informed the Court that it is supporting the review petitions challenging the 2018 verdict.

The outcome of this reference will determine the future of the Sabarimala temple entry issue and may also impact other pending cases concerning religious practices across communities.

Stay tuned for detailed updates from the Constitution Bench hearings.