In 2018, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, by a 4:1 majority, lifted the age restriction on women visitors. If a non-devotee, a person who is not concerned with that temple, challenges it, can this court entertain the writ petition?”, the court asked. The Supreme Court is hearing the pleas concerning discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom under the Constitution. What is the interplay between the rights of persons under Article 25 of the Constitution and the rights of religious denominations under Article 26? Whether a person not belonging to a religious denomination or religious group can question a practice of that religious denomination or religious group by filing a PIL?

Source: Indian Express April 08, 2026 09:52 UTC