Sabarimala Case: Supreme Court Says Beliefs of Millions Cannot be Easily Declared Wrong

A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court observed that declaring the long-held beliefs of millions as "erroneous" is one of the most difficult judicial tasks.

During the Sabarimala reference hearing, the Bench emphasized that core religious practices should not be "hollowed out" in the name of social reform.

Justice BV Nagarathna remarked that while law ensures equality, it must not strip religion of its essence. The Travancore Devaswom Board argued for the removal of the "Essential Religious Practice" doctrine, claiming it allows judges to subjectively define faith.

The Court further noted that "constitutional morality" could lead to unmanageable standards if used to invalidate religious traditions.