BackLAW
Courts cannot reform faith, says SC in Sabarimala review
The Supreme Court on April 29, 2026, said courts cannot herald reform in religion even as advocates argued for maintaining the 2018 ruling allowing menstruating women to enter Sabarimala. The hearing was before a nine-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, with Indira Jaising representing respondents supporting the 2018 verdict.
Why It Matters
The remark highlights the tension between judicial reform of religious practices and protecting constitutional rights, underscoring ongoing debates about gender equality at sacred sites.
Timeline
2 Events
Supreme Court hearing on Sabarimala review
April 29, 2026
The Supreme Court, before a nine-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, heard submissions from senior advocate Indira Jaising for respondents supporting the 2018 verdict. She argued that religion must reform to remain relevant even as the court asserted that courts cannot herald reform in religion.
2018 verdict on Sabarimala entry by menstruating women
2018
The Supreme Court upheld the right of menstruating women aged between 10 and 50 to enter and pray at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, Kerala, effectively enabling their worship at the temple.