Supreme Court Establishes Nine-Judge Bench for Sabarimala Temple Entry Review

Original: Supreme Court forms nine-judge bench to review Sabarimala temple entry case

News 18•Apr 5, 20263 min

In a Nutshell

The Supreme Court of India has formed a nine-judge bench to re-examine the Sabarimala temple entry case, which involves broader constitutional questions regarding religious freedom. The hearings are set to begin on April 7, 2026, following a significant 2018 ruling that permitted women of all ages to enter the temple.

Key Points

01A nine-judge bench will review the Sabarimala temple entry case starting April 7, 2026.
02The case raises broader constitutional issues regarding religious freedom across multiple faiths.
03The 2018 ruling allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, challenging centuries-old practices.
04The bench will also address overlapping issues related to women's entry into mosques and other religious practices.
05Parties supporting the review petitions are challenging the 2018 judgment, while original petitioners seek to uphold it.

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Full Summary

The Supreme Court of India has announced the formation of a nine-judge bench to review the contentious Sabarimala temple entry case, with hearings commencing on April 7, 2026. This review is significant as it follows a 2018 decision that allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, overturning a long-standing ban on women aged 10 to 50. The Supreme Court's initial ruling sparked widespread debate about the intersection of religious practices and constitutional rights. The new bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, will explore not only the Sabarimala case but also related constitutional issues, including the entry of women into mosques and the practice of Female Genital Mutilation among the Dawoodi Bohra community. The hearings are expected to address the balance between individual fundamental rights and collective religious rights, a topic of growing importance in contemporary India.

Key Figures

9

Number of judges on the bench

2018

Year the initial ruling allowing women entry was made

April 7, 2026

Start date for the hearings

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Why It Matters

The outcome of this case could redefine religious practices and women's rights in India, influencing how religious customs are interpreted in relation to constitutional rights.

Who is affected

Women seeking to enter religious spaces, religious communities, and legal practitioners.

What to know

Stakeholders should monitor the proceedings and prepare for potential changes in religious access and rights.

FAQ

The nine-judge bench will address broader constitutional questions related to religious freedom and equality, potentially impacting various faiths in India.

The hearings are scheduled to commence on April 7, 2026.

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