State can intervene when religious rights affect secular activities: Supreme Court

On April 28, 2026, during an ongoing hearing before a nine-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, the court emphasized that while core religious practices are insulated from judicial scrutiny, the State can intervene when religious rights affect secular activities. Justice Nagarathna highlighted that protection is not absolute when religious exercise spills into public life, noting, 'You do your religious activity, but not by blocking the roads…The State can always step in.' The bench stated that any State action must be proportionate and grounded in permissible aims such as public order, morality and health. The arguments explored the relationship between Articles 25 and 26, and the panel warned against privileging any religion or language, stressing constitutional neutrality. The proceedings form part of the ongoing reference from the Sabarimala dispute and may have far-reaching implications beyond Sabarimala for faith-based practices across religions.

In 2019, while hearing review petitions, the court framed broader constitutional questions on religious freedom without a conclusive decision and referred them to a larger bench.

The Supreme Court's 2018 ruling allowed entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple.