“India Not Patriarchal,” Centre Tells Supreme Court in Sabarimala Reference Case

The Centre told the Supreme Court in the Sabarimala reference case that Indian society is not patriarchal and instead places women on a “high pedestal.”

It argued that religious practices should not be judged only through the lens of equality, especially when they are rooted in long-standing traditions and beliefs.

The government stressed that courts must balance fundamental rights with religious freedom.

These submissions were made as the Supreme Court continues to examine broader issues arising from the 2018 Sabarimala judgment, which had allowed entry of women of all ages into the temple.