In Brief
This constitutional bench decision addresses a review petition arising from longstanding litigation concerning Sabarimala temple practices. The Court held that it can refer questions of constitutional law to a larger bench via a review petition. The Court framed seven substantial issues for a larger bench: the scope of religious freedom under Articles 25–26, the interplay between individual and denominational religious rights, whether denominational rights are subject to constitutional provisions beyond public order and health, the meaning of 'morality' (including constitutional morality), the extent of judicial review of religious practices, the meaning of "Sections of Hindus", and whether non-members may challenge denominational practices through public interest litigation.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.