WOMEN DEVOTEES WAIT TILL 50 SABARIMALA
Case in NewsThe Supreme Court of India hears Women Devotees Wait Till 50 Sabarimala reference during constitutional bench proceedings. |
Discover powerful Latin Maxims and simplify complex legal terms in seconds
Case Overview
Case Name: Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (Sabarimala Reference Case)
The Supreme Court of India continued hearing the Sabarimala reference before a 9-judge Constitution Bench. The matter concerns entry restrictions on women aged 10 to 50 years in the Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. During the hearing the bench orally observed that true devotees may wait till 50 years voluntarily before visiting the shrine.
Key Aspects
The hearing focused on the entry of women, religious customs & constitutional rights. The bench also questioned past conduct & devotional practices of petitioners.
- Justice Nagarathna questioned why some women visited only after the 2018 judgment.
- The Court observed that traditional devotees usually wait till 50 years.
- Senior Advocate Indira Jaising argued the restriction is menstrual discrimination .
- Historical examples of younger women visiting the temple were also cited.
- The issue remains whether the practice is custom or unconstitutional exclusion.
Legal Insights
The case involves a conflict between equality rights & religious freedom under the Constitution of India . It also raises questions on constitutional morality & essential religious practices.
- Article 14 – Equality before law & equal protection of laws.
- Article 15(1) – Prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex.
- Article 17 – Abolishes untouchability; argued in context of exclusion based stigma.
- Article 25(1) – Freedom of conscience & right to freely practice religion.
- Article 26(b) – Religious denominations’ right to manage their own religious affairs.
- Article 21 – Protection of dignity & personal liberty linked to women’s rights.
Court’s Verdict
No final verdict has been passed yet. The Supreme Court of India only made oral remarks during the hearing & continued examining whether the Sabarimala restriction is an important religious practice or violates fundamental rights of women .
Source – Supreme Court of India
Read also – Constitution of India
The LawGist ensures exam success with quality notes—TPL, Current Affairs, Recent Judgments, and more. Backed by trusted resources and videos, The LawGist is every aspirant’s first choice
