Sabarimala Reference: Supreme Court Warns Against "Hollowing Out" Religion in the Name of Social Reform

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, emphasized that social reforms must respect a "lakshman rekha" to avoid hollowing out religious practices.

Reviewing the 2018 Sabarimala verdict, the Court explored the tension between individual rights under Article 25 and denominational rights under Article 26.

While the State can mandate reforms for social welfare, Justice Nagarathna warned these measures shouldn't destroy a religion's core identity. The CJI further questioned the validity of biased private surveys on public morality, insisting on authenticated data.

Ultimately, the Bench underscored that reforms should reflect the people's will rather than being "thrust upon" them against their wishes.