New Delhi: The long-running legal battle over women’s entry into the Sabarimala Temple enters a crucial phase as the Supreme Court of India resumes hearing the case for the sixth consecutive day today. All eyes are on the Kerala government, which is expected to present its stand during the proceedings.
Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta is likely to argue for the state once other counsels conclude their submissions. Interestingly, the Kerala government has sought permission to be included among those opposing women’s entry, though it has not explicitly clarified its position in written submissions.
Earlier, the state had proposed forming a panel of religious scholars and social leaders to gather broader opinions on the sensitive issue. Meanwhile, the temple’s Tantri has strongly defended the existing tradition, arguing that the age restriction on women is an essential religious practice that cannot be reviewed by courts. His counsel emphasized that matters of faith cannot be judged purely on rational or constitutional grounds.
During previous hearings, senior advocates Gopal Subramanium, Rajeev Dhavan, and V. Giri presented their arguments. The Supreme Court had also observed that constitutional principles alone may not be sufficient to decide issues deeply rooted in faith.
With arguments from opposing sides nearing completion, the court is expected to soon hear voices supporting women’s entry—setting the stage for a landmark judgment in one of India’s most debated religious and constitutional issues.
