Groundbreaking Nine-Judge Probe on Religious Discrimination

A pivotal moment in the battle for gender equality in religious spaces is set to unfold as the Supreme Court prepares to address petitions on discrimination against women at sacred sites. The centerpiece of this judicial examination is the Sabarimala Temple case, which had previously lifted the ban on women of menstruating age entering the Ayyappa shrine.

The controversy, which has persisted through various court rulings and social debates, will now be assessed by a nine-judge bench. This extensive bench aims to delve into the intricate relationship between religious freedom and equal rights, particularly focusing on Article 25 and Article 26 of the Indian Constitution.

Set from April 7 to April 22, the hearings are anticipated to bring forth critical insights and potentially reshape how religious practices are balanced with constitutional mandates. The court is expected to navigate seven key questions revolving around religious freedom, aiming to ensure substantial justice in these complex matters.