Indira Jaising invoked Shabari before Supreme Court of India Constitution Bench to stress inclusivity in worship. Arguments arose in ongoing challenge to gender restrictions at Sabarimala Temple concerning women’s entry rights.
The Supreme Court of India bench led by Surya Kant questioned arguments by J. Sai Deepak against judicial review of codified religious practices. The CJI stressed that once the State acts, courts cannot be completely excluded from reviewing its actions, even in matters of faith.
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.
