SC hearing on Sabarimala LIVE: Nine-judge Bench to hear pleas on religious discrimination against women

SC hearing on Sabarimala LIVE: Nine-judge Bench to hear pleas on religious discrimination against women

## Supreme Court to Convene Nine-Judge Bench for Pivotal Review of Religious Practices and Women’s Rights

**New Delhi, India** – The Supreme Court of India is poised to convene a landmark nine-judge Constitution Bench to adjudicate a series of complex petitions that delve into the intricate intersection of religious freedom and gender equality. The hearings, commencing shortly, will scrutinize the constitutional validity of certain religious practices that have historically restricted women’s entry into places of worship, a matter of profound societal and legal significance.

At the heart of this judicial undertaking lies a critical examination of Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. The Bench is not only tasked with assessing specific instances of alleged religious discrimination against women but will also undertake a comprehensive review of the “scope and extent of judicial review” concerning religious practices. This broader mandate signals a deep dive into the judiciary’s authority to intervene in matters of faith, particularly when such practices are challenged on grounds of fundamental rights.

The case originates from a confluence of petitions, including those stemming from the Sabarimala temple entry controversy, where the Supreme Court had previously ruled that the exclusion of women of certain ages was unconstitutional. However, the subsequent referral of these issues to a larger bench underscores the gravity and multifaceted nature of the questions involved. The nine-judge panel will therefore grapple with establishing definitive legal principles that can guide future adjudications on similar matters across the country.

Legal experts anticipate that the hearings will explore the delicate balance between the state’s obligation to protect religious freedom and its duty to uphold the constitutional guarantee of equality for all citizens, irrespective of gender. The Bench will likely consider various interpretations of what constitutes an “essential religious practice” and the criteria by which such practices can be deemed discriminatory or violative of public order, morality, and health, as stipulated within Article 25 itself.

Furthermore, the examination of judicial review’s scope will be crucial. This aspect of the hearings will define the boundaries within which the courts can scrutinize religious customs, particularly in relation to the rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution. The deliberations are expected to shed light on the judiciary’s role in navigating deeply entrenched societal norms and religious traditions in the pursuit of justice and equality.

The proceedings are anticipated to be extensive, with numerous stakeholders, including religious bodies, women’s rights organizations, and legal scholars, expected to present their arguments and perspectives. The Supreme Court’s pronouncements are likely to have far-reaching implications, setting precedents that will shape the legal landscape of religious freedom and gender equality in India for generations to come. The nation will be closely watching as this pivotal bench embarks on its critical task of interpreting constitutional principles in the context of evolving societal values and fundamental human rights.

This comprehensive review by a nine-judge bench represents a significant moment in India’s legal history. The outcome of these hearings will not only address specific grievances but will also contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between religious freedom, individual rights, and the state’s role in a secular democracy. The judiciary’s careful consideration of these complex issues promises to reinforce the foundational principles of justice and equality that underpin the Indian Constitution.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.