Once again, the debate over religious freedom and gender equality is set to come into national focus as the long-running landmark legal battle over the entry of women from all age groups into the Sabarimala Temple is set to resume.
The Supreme Court of India has finalised the schedule for hearing the review petitions from April 7. The matter will be heard by a nine-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
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What Did the Apex Court Announce?
On Monday, the Chief Justice stated that the Sabarimala case will be taken up after the conclusion of proceedings in the Uttar Pradesh vs Jai Veer matter. The last hearing in the Sabarimala review case was held on February 10, 2020.
Recalling the earlier proceedings, the Chief Justice noted that the hearings had commenced just before the outbreak of the COVID pandemic. During the pandemic, it was not feasible for all nine judges to sit together. He added that he is now the only judge remaining from the original bench that heard the matter in 2020.
The court has directed all parties involved to submit their written submissions by March 14.
Hearing schedule
April 7-9: Arguments by review petitioners and their supporters
April 14-16: Arguments by those opposing this review
April 21-22: Counter-arguments and final submissions by amicus curiae
Background of the Case
In a landmark 2018 judgment, the Supreme Court permitted women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, overturning a long-standing custom that restricted the entry of women of menstruating age.
The verdict triggered widespread protests, particularly in Kerala, and sparked intense national debate. Several review petitions were subsequently filed challenging the judgment. However, hearings were delayed due to the COVID pandemic.
The upcoming proceedings will determine whether the 2018 verdict requires reconsideration.
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Political Temperature Rising in Kerala
The renewed hearings have reignited political debate in Kerala. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has informed the court that the Central government supports the review petitions.
Following the announcement of the hearing dates, opposition parties in Kerala have demanded that the CPM led state government clearly state its position before the apex court on the issue of the entry of menstruating women into the temple.
As the hearing approaches, both legal and political tensions are expected to intensify around one of India’s most sensitive constitutional and religious questions.
