Supreme Court Constitution Bench to Hear Sabarimala Reference from April 7, 2026

A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India will begin hearing the Sabarimala reference from April 7, 2026, to decide key constitutional questions arising from the temple entry dispute at Sabarimala Temple.

The Bench will examine seven issues, including the scope of religious freedom, the interplay between Articles 25 and 26, constitutional morality, and the Essential Religious Practices test. Parties have been directed to file written submissions by March 14, with hearings scheduled till April 22.

The Central government informed the Court that it supports the review petitions challenging the 2018 verdict which allowed women of all ages to enter the shrine.

The outcome will shape not only the Sabarimala review but also broader questions concerning religious autonomy and equality.