India’s Supreme Court is scheduled to hear long-pending review petitions challenging its 2018 verdict allowing women of all ages entry into the Sabarimala temple on February 16, 2026. The case centers on the balance between religious customs and constitutional equality.
Case Background
In September 2018, a 4:1 majority ruling by a five-judge bench struck down the temple’s traditional ban on women aged 10-50, deeming it discriminatory under Article 14. Review pleas, filed by devotees, Hindu groups like the NSS, and the Travancore Devaswom Board, argue it violates the deity’s celibate nature and essential religious practices.
In 2019, the Court referred the matter to a larger seven-judge bench alongside broader issues like mosque entry for women and Parsi fire temple practices, but hearings have been delayed.
Upcoming Hearing
The February 16 listing involves admission of over 50 review petitions, with the Court expected to decide on their maintainability and the status of the 2019 larger bench reference. Kerala government’s stance on implementation remains under scrutiny amid ongoing devotee protests.
The hearing could clarify enforcement of the original verdict during the temple’s peak Mandala-Makaravilakku season, impacting millions of pilgrims.
