Sabarimala women entry: Supreme Court’s 9-judge Constitution Bench to begin review hearing from April 7

Why in news

The Supreme Court scheduled a 9-judge Constitution Bench to begin review hearings on the 2018 judgment regarding women's entry into the Sabarimala temple.

Background

A nine-judge Constitution Bench will hear review and writ petitions concerning the 2018 ruling on Sabarimala temple entry. The court set a timeline for hearings to conclude with final arguments by April 22, 2026.

Facts for Prelims

• FactA nine-judge Constitution Bench is tasked with reviewing the 2018 judgment.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the conflict between the right to freedom of religion and the right to equality in the context of temple entry regulations in India.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Constitutional conflict: Balancing Article 25 (freedom of religion) against Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination)
• Judicial review: The role of the judiciary in interpreting religious practices vs individual fundamental rights
• Social cohesion: Balancing traditional religious customs with modern egalitarian principles

Keywords: Constitutional Bench · Freedom of Religion · Right to Equality · Judicial Review · Religious Pluralism

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