Supreme Court Preps for Groundbreaking Sabarimala Hearing

The Supreme Court will conduct a crucial hearing on women's discrimination in religious places, including the Sabarimala Temple, with a nine-judge bench starting April 7, 2026. This hearing will address pivotal questions on religious freedom and expand to other cases involving Muslim and Parsi women.

The Supreme Court announced on Monday a significant development regarding the ongoing controversy over women's entry into religious spaces, including Kerala's Sabarimala Temple. A nine-judge bench is set to begin hearings from April 7, 2026, aiming to address allegations of discrimination against women across various religious practices.

Chief Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, confirmed that the bench will conclude its hearings on April 22, 2026. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed the Centre's support for reviewing the decision that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala. Distinguished advocates Krishna Kumar Singh and Shashwati Pari have been appointed to represent differing viewpoints.

The proceedings will start with submissions from those supporting the review from April 7 to April 9. Subsequently, those opposing will present their case from April 14 to April 16. The verdict has far-reaching implications, potentially affecting similar cases, such as Muslim women's entry into mosques and Parsi women's rights concerning sacred sites.

(With inputs from agencies.)