Supreme Court Forms Nine-Judge Bench to Review Sabarimala Temple Entry Case

• The Supreme Court has constituted a nine-judge bench to re-examine the Sabarimala temple entry matter and related cases.
• The bench, headed by CJI Surya Kant, will begin hearings on April 7, addressing larger constitutional questions on religious freedom.
• The review stems from a 2019 decision by a five-judge bench, which found broader constitutional questions beyond just the Sabarimala temple.
• Key issues include restrictions on Muslim women in mosques, Female Genital Mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community, and Parsi women's entry into Fire Temples.
• The Union of India supports the review petitions, challenging the 2018 ruling that allowed women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple.

Key Questions Answered

What could be the impact of this new Supreme Court review?

The Supreme Court's review could lead to a narrow ruling that rejects President Trump's order on birthright citizenship, potentially by a wide margin.

Will the Sabarimala temple entry ruling be overturned?

The Sabarimala temple entry ruling is under review by a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court, with hearings commencing April 7, 2026.

How might this affect other religious practices in India?

Restrictions on alcohol sales on Good Friday and potential bans on meat and egg sales in Haridwar ahead of Ardh Kumbh may influence other religious practices by setting precedents