The Supreme Court of India has established a strict timeline to conclude the long-pending legal battle regarding discrimination against women in religious places, specifically the entry of women into Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple. A nine-judge Constitution Bench is scheduled to commence final arguments on April 7, 2026, with a clear objective to wrap up the hearing within two weeks.
The Schedule
In a procedural order passed on Monday, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi outlined the roadmap for the hearing. The Court indicated that the proceedings are expected to conclude by April 22, 2026.
The bench laid out a specific schedule for oral arguments to ensure the expeditious disposal of the batch of petitions:
- April 7, 2026 (10:30 AM): The nine-judge bench will begin the hearing.
- April 7 to April 9: Arguments will be heard from review petitioners and parties supporting the review of the previous verdict.
- April 14 to April 16: The Court will hear parties opposing the review petitions.
- April 21, 2026: Rejoinder submissions will be heard.
- April 22, 2026: Final concluding submissions by the Amicus Curiae, marking the likely end of the hearing.
Pre-Hearing Directives
To streamline the complex litigation, the Supreme Court has directed all parties to file their written submissions on or before March 14.
The Court has also put a structural framework in place to manage the multitude of lawyers involved. Advocate Krishna Kumar Singh has been appointed as the nodal counsel for parties supporting the review of the Sabarimala verdict. Conversely, Advocate Shashwati Pari has been appointed as the nodal counsel for those opposing the review.
Furthermore, the bench appointed Senior Advocate K Parameshwar and Advocate Shivam Singh as Amicus Curiae to assist the court. “Singh shall submit the stand taken by all parties before this court,” the CJI noted.
During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, expressly supported the pleas seeking a review of the historic Sabarimala verdict. The original verdict had allowed the entry of women of all age groups into the sacred hilltop shrine in Kerala, a decision that sparked widespread debate regarding constitutional rights versus religious dogma.
The upcoming hearing by the nine-judge bench will not only address the Sabarimala issue but is also expected to lay down broader constitutional principles regarding discrimination against women in various religions and religious places.
