CJI Suryakant Forms 9-Judge Bench to Tackle Faith vs. Women's Rights Disputes

• CJI Suryakant constitutes a special nine-judge Constitution Bench to resolve sensitive socio-religious disputes.
• The bench includes Justice BV Nagarathna, set to be India's first female Chief Justice, ensuring impartiality.
• Hearing begins April 7 on cases involving women's entry into religious places and traditional beliefs.
• The dispute originated from the 2018 Sabarimala verdict, which allowed women of all ages into the temple.
• Broader issues like women's entry into mosques, female circumcision, and Parsi women in Agiaries will be addressed.

Key Questions Answered

How will the Supreme Court balance faith and fundamental rights?

The Supreme Court will balance faith and fundamental rights by examining if personal laws can be tested against fundamental rights.

What impact will this ruling have on other religious practices?

The ruling to ban meat shops in Haridwar ahead of Ardh Kumbh 2027 is being appreciated by sadhus and saints, who are calling for similar restrictions at other religious sites.

Could this decision change women's access to religious sites?

Yes, a Supreme Court nine-judge bench will begin hearing cases on April 7, 2026, that could impact women's access to religious sites.