Justice BV Nagarathna questioned whether menstruation being termed a taboo is an objective fact or subjective perception, observing that such views depend on belief systems and that religious understanding should be based on a devotee’s perspective rather than an outsider’s interpretation.
During the Supreme Court of India hearing on the Sabarimala Temple issue, Justice Nagarathna highlighted how society’s views on morality have evolved over time. Her remark signals a major constitutional shift in how courts may assess religious practices and gender equality.
A nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court has started hearing key petitions on women’s entry into religious places, including Sabarimala Temple. The case will decide the balance between gender equality and religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court urged the Centre to introduce a law granting paternity leave as a social security benefit. The Court stressed equal parenting roles while expanding maternity rights for adoptive mothers.
The Calcutta High Court’s Port Blair circuit bench set aside the discharge of a woman’s in-laws in a dowry harassment case, stressing that society still struggles with gender equality. The woman had died by suicide in 2021 after killing her infant daughter.
