Dharma (Hindu) cannot be hollowed out in the name of reform ! : Supreme Court

In the case regarding women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple, the Supreme Court rebuked advocate Indira Jaising
The Court also observed that matters of faith and reasoning cannot be debated in a Court of Law

New Delhi – Hearings are ongoing in the Supreme Court on petitions concerning women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala and other religious places. During the hearing held on April 29, while responding to the arguments of advocate Indira Jaising, who is opposing the restriction on women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple, the Supreme Court recorded a significant observation. The Court stated that religion cannot be hollowed out in the name of social reform. Matters of faith and reasoning cannot be debated in a Court of Law. The Court further stated that it never decides what is essential and what is not essential according to Dharma; such decisions are made by the Dharma itself.

Roads cannot be blocked in the name of religious activities – Supreme Court of India while hearing matters related to Sabarimala Temple.

The Court said governments have the authority to act.

The principle should apply equally everywhere. Across many cities, roads are often… pic.twitter.com/Rmmjhbif5Q

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) April 29, 2026

Advocate Jaising’s anti-Hindu arguments and Justice Nagarathna’s response

Justice BV Nagarathna said that the development of civilisation in this land and its religious history cannot be ignored. Ultimately, Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution have been shaped by this historical background.

In response, advocate Indira Jaising argued that this can be debated and that it is a blank slate. She said that India does not have separate Courts to adjudicate religious disputes, unlike certain other countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh. There are neither Sharia courts nor any other form of religious Courts in India. Therefore, if an individual brings a genuine dispute before the Supreme Court, it cannot refuse to hear it. She added that no standard is superior to constitutional principles in this country, and this reality must be kept in mind while deliberating on religious matters.

Court’s observation: Religious history cannot be ignored

Justice BV Nagarathna responded that although the Constitution and all legal frameworks are supreme, history cannot be forgotten because it shapes the present. One cannot ignore the past and claim that the present is a “blank slate”.

Is someone from North India seeking entry into the Sabarimala temple ?

Justice Nagarathna remarked that the Court must determine who is seeking entry into the Sabarimala temple. How can an individual from North India claim entry into a temple in the South ? Is that individual truly a devotee ? This is also an aspect that requires careful examination.

Hearing on restriction of women’s entry into Sabarimala continues

The hearing on the Sabarimala temple case has been ongoing since April 7. The Union Government has argued against allowing women’s entry, stating that in many temples dedicated to Goddesses in the country, men are also not permitted entry. Therefore, religious traditions should be respected.