India Supreme Court Sets 2026 Hearings on Women's Religious Access

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled hearings before a nine-judge Constitution Bench on petitions challenging discrimination against women in religious places, including the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, beginning April 7, 2026. The proceedings, set to conclude by April 22, 2026, will revisit the court's 2018 verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple and address broader constitutional questions on religious freedom, equality, and essential religious practices.

The bench, to be constituted by the Chief Justice of India, will hear arguments from parties supporting the review of the 2018 ruling between April 7 and 9, followed by those opposing the review from April 14 to 16. Rejoinder submissions, if any, are slated for April 21, with final arguments by the amicus curiae expected on April 22. The court has directed all parties to file written submissions by March 14, 2026, and emphasized strict adherence to the timeline. "The nodal counsels in consultation with arguing counsel of the parties shall prepare the internal arrangement so that oral submissions from both sides can be heard within the stipulated timeline," the court stated in its order.