Sabarimala Temple: Rights vs Religion Collision - A Timeline of the Legal Battle

• Supreme Court's nine-judge bench began hearing review pleas on discrimination against women at religious places, including Sabarimala Temple, on April 7.
• The legal dispute centers on the entry of women aged 10 to 50, linking faith, constitutional rights, and gender equality.
• The centuries-old restriction, codified under Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship Rules, 1965, was justified by the belief that Lord Ayyappa is a celibate deity.
• In 2018, a five-judge Constitution Bench struck down the restriction, ruling it unconstitutional and a violation of equality and freedom of religion.
• The judgment sparked widespread protests and clashes in Kerala, leading to ongoing legal challenges and a larger bench examining broader religious questions.

Key Questions Answered

What is the current status of women's entry at Sabarimala?

The Supreme Court began hearing review petitions on women's entry into the Sabarimala Temple on April 7, 2026.

How might the Supreme Court's final verdict impact other religious places?

The Supreme Court's verdict on the Sabarimala case could impact other religious places by addressing broader constitutional questions about personal laws and fundamental rights.

Will this ruling redefine religious freedom in India?

The Supreme Court's nine-judge bench will address critical questions about testing personal laws against fundamental rights, potentially redefining religious freedom in India.