The long-running dispute over women’s entry into the iconic Sabarimala Temple has once again reached a critical legal juncture. On February 16, 2026, the Supreme Court announced that a nine-judge Constitution Bench will begin hearing a batch of review petitions on April 7 concerning its 2018 verdict that permitted women of all ages to enter the temple, overturning the longstanding custom restricting access for women of menstruating age (roughly ages 10 to 50). The court has directed all parties to file detailed written submissions by March 14 ahead of the year-long deliberations, which are scheduled to conclude by April 22.
The review proceedings stem from dozens of petitions challenging the earlier judgment on constitutional grounds — balancing religious freedom with gender equality and non-discrimination. The nearly two-week hearing will hear arguments from both sides, with petitions supporting the review set for April 7–9 and opposing arguments scheduled for April 14–16, followed by rejoinders and concluding submissions. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Union government supports the petitions for review, underscoring the case’s national significance.
The legal battle has far-reaching implications beyond Sabarimala alone. As framed by the court, it will touch on broader constitutional principles about how religious beliefs interact with fundamental rights, a debate likely to influence other cases concerning women’s access to places of worship nationwide.
The announcement has reignited political debate in Kerala, particularly because state elections are approaching. Opposition leaders have pressed the Kerala government to clarify its position after the ruling party previously supported women’s entry in court affidavits but later faced pressure from traditionalist groups. Some political voices urge a revised stance aligning with community sentiments, while others counsel both legal rigor and social sensitivity.
With deep emotions on both sides — blending faith, law and gender rights — the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearings are set to become a defining episode in India’s ongoing discourse on religion and equality.
