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Supreme Court cautions courts on changing religious practices; reforms to come via Parliament
A nine-judge Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant cautioned constitutional courts against altering religious practices, saying reforms should be driven by the people's will as reflected through Parliament and assemblies. The hearing also covered Kerala's stance on Sabarimala temple practices, with discussions on essential religious practices and the appointment of archakas, and the proceedings were ongoing with arguments expected to conclude the next day.
Why It Matters
The bench underscored the primacy of legislative action in religious reforms, signaling limits on judicial intervention in religious practices and shaping how faith vs. fundamental rights matters may unfold in India.
Timeline
5 Events
Arguments likely to conclude on May 13, 2026
May 12, 2026
The arguments in the case were described as likely to conclude on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Gupta on essential religious practice and archakas’ qualifications
May 12, 2026
Gupta argued that when the validity of a religious practice is challenged, the court must determine whether the practice is an essential religious practice, testing it against the tenets of the religion rather than judicial standards. The bench noted that while appointment of archakas may be a secular process, the qualifications of archakas are purely religious.
Kerala government's stand on Sabarimala temple presented by Jaideep Gupta
May 12, 2026
Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta presented Kerala government's stand on the sanctity of Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, which restricts entry of women in the 10-50-year age group, noting the government's flip-flop on the issue.
CJI Kant: reforms via law accepted by courts; validity review if challenged as interference
May 12, 2026
The CJI said that if the people elect representatives to seek social reform and Parliament or an assembly enacts a law to effect change, constitutional courts will accept it. If such a law is enacted and challenged as government interference in religion, courts would examine the law's validity.
SC bench cautions constitutional courts against altering religious practices
May 12, 2026
A nine-judge Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant cautioned constitutional courts against effecting changes in religious practices and customs. The bench stated that only the people's will, reflected through representatives in Parliament and assemblies, could bring reforms, and that courts should be reluctant to give views on religious matters.