Kerala government tells Supreme Court any change to Sabarimala women-entry practice should follow wider consultation
The Facts
- The Kerala government filed written submissions/affidavit in the Supreme Court in the Sabarimala review proceedings.
- Kerala told the Supreme Court that any change to long-standing religious practices at Sabarimala should be preceded by wider consultation, including soliciting views of eminent religious scholars and reputed social reformers.
- Multiple reports describe the state as having softened or modified its earlier stance that opposed restrictions on women’s entry to Sabarimala.
- The Supreme Court’s 28 September 2018 judgment quashed/struck down restrictions on women’s entry to the Sabarimala temple, and the current proceedings relate to review petitions arising from that decision.
- A nine-judge Constitution Bench is expected to hear constitutional questions connected to the Sabarimala review proceedings.
- Kerala’s submission argues the court should assess whether the belief underlying the practice is 'genuinely and conscientiously held' as part of religion, rather than focusing on whether it appeals to modern reason or sentiment.
Context
What did Kerala ask the Supreme Court to do in the Sabarimala review?
Kerala said any judicial review or change to the long-followed practice should be undertaken only after wider consultation and after seeking views of eminent Hindu religious scholars and reputed social reformers. Indian Express TimesNow Deccan Chronicle
What is the case before the Supreme Court about?
The proceedings concern constitutional questions arising from review petitions linked to the Supreme Court’s 28 September 2018 judgment that struck down age-based restrictions on women’s entry into Sabarimala. Indian Express Oneindia ETV Bharat News
What did Kerala say the court should examine when reviewing the practice?
Kerala’s affidavit urged the court to consider whether the belief behind the practice is 'genuinely and conscientiously held' as part of religion, while also weighing constitutional principles such as equality and reform. ThePrint Tribune
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