Sabarimala Case Supreme Court Hearing Live: Constitution bench to hear pleas on religious discrimination against women

A nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court is set to hear the Sabarimala review matter at 10:30 a. m. Tuesday, with the Centre backing pleas to revisit the 2018 verdict that allowed entry of women of all age groups into the Kerala shrine.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, has supported the review petitions. Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front has also backed a reconsideration of the judgment.

KEY CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS The court has framed seven questions on the scope of religious freedom, saying the list remains open to changes. “What is the scope and ambit of right to freedom of religion under Article 25 of the Constitution of India?

” the bench asked. It also flagged the “inter-play” between individual rights under Article 25 and the rights of religious denominations under Article 26.

Among other issues, the court will examine whether denominational rights are subject to other fundamental rights, and the meaning of “morality” under Articles 25 and 26, including whether it includes constitutional morality.

The bench will also consider the scope of judicial review in matters of religious practice, the meaning of “sections of Hindus” under Article 25(2)(b), and whether outsiders can challenge religious customs through public interest litigation.

The court said the larger bench would aim to evolve a judicial approach to ensure “substantial and complete justice” in cases involving religious freedom, including restrictions affecting women across faiths.