Sabarimala women entry; SC asks govt to inform stand before March 14, new constitution bench to consider pleas

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has informed that the pleas over Sabarimala women's entry will be considered by a new constitutional bench. The Chief Justice will lead the nine-member bench. The court also informed that this was decided earlier. All parties have also been asked to submit their written stands before March 14.

The nine-member bench will begin hearing from 10 am on April 7. The arguments of those supporting the plea will continue till April 9. The arguments of the opposing parties will be held from April 14 to 16 then. The court also said that if there is any objection, further arguments will be held. The Supreme Court has clarified that the hearing will be concluded on April 22. There are 67 pleas before the court, including the entry of women in Sabarimala, which involve complex issues related to religious freedom.

The lawyers have asked the court to consider the issue of various religions together. However, Chief Justice Surya Kant told the lawyers during the argument that he is the only one left in the court from the old nine-member bench. The Chief Justice informed that the earlier hearing was delayed due to Covid and that more questions in addition to the present seven questions can be considered on the basis of each case.

Meantime, the Center has announced that it is in favor of reviewing the verdict related to the entry of women into Sabarimala. The state government has also informed that it is not opposing the pleas. The Supreme Court is considering review petitions against the 2018 verdict allowing women to enter Sabarimala regardless of age. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant is considering this issue after seven years.