During a hearing on discrimination in religious practices, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, underscored that all individuals should have access to temples. Justice BV Nagarathna, the only female judge on the nine-member bench, remarked that denying temple access based on religion is detrimental to Hinduism. The court is currently addressing petitions related to women's access to religious sites, including the controversial Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Justice Nagarathna clarified that her comments were not limited to Sabarimala but pertained to broader issues of inclusivity in Hindu practices. Senior advocate CS Vaidyanathan argued that the right of religious denominations to manage their affairs, as per Article 26(b), should not override the state's ability to reform religious practices under Article 25(2)(b). The Centre's solicitor general, Tushar Mehta, countered that restrictions at temples are not solely based on gender, citing examples of male-restricted temples. This ongoing discussion reflects the complex interplay between tradition and modern interpretations of religious freedom in India.