• Source:JND

The Supreme Court will hear 67 review petitions challenging its earlier verdict that allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple, Kerala. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant will deliberate on key constitutional questions involving equality, freedom of religion, and the scope of judicial intervention in religious practices.

With Kerala set to go to the polls later this year, the state government is also expected to clarify its stand on the contentious issue of women’s entry into Sabarimala.

ALSO READ: Rajasthan Bhiwadi Factory Fire: 7 Dead After Massive Blaze Engulfs Chemical Plant, Several Feared Trapped

Supreme Court May Reconstitute Larger Bench

The apex court could consider setting up a fresh nine-judge bench to examine the matter. The earlier nine-judge bench constituted in 2019 stands dissolved, as all its members except Justice Surya Kant have since retired.

Apart from the Sabarimala issue, the larger bench is likely to address broader questions, including the religious rights of women in Muslim and Parsi communities and the extent to which courts can intervene in matters of faith and long-standing customs.

Kerala Government Faces Policy Test

The review proceedings have once again put the government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a delicate position.

Backing the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling, the Kerala government had promoted the slogan “Navodhanam” (New Age Revolution) in support of women’s entry into Sabarimala. In 2019, it provided police protection to women attempting to visit the shrine.

ALSO READ: UP Man Shot Dead After An Argument With Accused In Gorakhpur; Video Allegedly Filmed On Mobile

To reinforce its stand, the government also organised the “Women’s Wall” human chain across the state, claiming participation from nearly five million women.


Also In News