Justice Nagarathna: "A Hindu is a Hindu" and has the Right to Visit Any Temple

During the eighth day of the Sabarimala reference hearing, Justice BV Nagarathna observed that a Hindu is a Hindu and possesses the right to visit any temple, emphasizing that religious institutions cannot exclude individuals based on denominational lines.

The nine-judge bench, presided over by Chief Justice Surya Kant, discussed the scope of religious freedom and the state's power to enact social reforms.

Justice Nagarathna noted that rigid barriers between communities could weaken religious denominations themselves.

She further clarified that while Article 26 protects the rights of religious denominations, these rights remain subject to public order, morality, and health as mandated by the Constitution.