The Supreme Court of India commenced hearings on Tuesday regarding long-pending review petitions concerning entry restrictions at the Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, firmly defended the religious character of the shrine, arguing that the matter is intrinsically linked to the attributes of the deity and should not be subject to judicial review. Mehta stressed that courts should exercise restraint in matters of faith, asserting that not all religious practices can be evaluated solely on individual rights. He highlighted that denominational traditions warrant respect and that the restrictions at Sabarimala, which apply to a specific age group, are unique to this temple. The nine-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, is considering broader constitutional questions regarding religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26, as well as the extent of judicial intervention in religious customs. The hearing is set to continue as the court seeks to balance constitutional rights with religious autonomy.