Sabarimala Temple Case: Supreme Court Nine Judge Bench To Hear Women's Entry Petitions From April 9

A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India will begin hearing a batch of petitions related to the Sabarimala Temple from April 7, 2026, reopening the long-running legal debate over women’s entry into the shrine in Kerala.

The case relates to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, a major pilgrimage centre dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The petitions seek a review of earlier Supreme Court rulings that altered traditional practices at the temple.

The apex court has drawn up a detailed, day-wise schedule for oral arguments to ensure an orderly hearing. According to the court’s directions, proceedings before the nine-judge bench will commence at 10:30 am on April 7. Parties supporting the review petitions will present their arguments over three days, from April 7 to April 9. Those opposing the review will be heard next, between April 14 and April 16.

The court has also allocated time for rejoinder submissions on April 21, following which the amicus curiae will make final and concluding submissions. These are expected to conclude by April 22. The bench has instructed all parties to strictly follow the timeline and coordinate internally so that arguments from both sides are completed within the allotted time.

The Sabarimala matter returned to the Supreme Court after a series of landmark rulings. In 2018, the apex court permitted women of all age groups to enter the temple, effectively ending the long-standing restriction on women aged between 10 and 50 years. The verdict sparked nationwide debate and strong reactions across Kerala.

Subsequently, on February 10, 2020, the Supreme Court decided that the issues raised in the Sabarimala case involved wider constitutional questions and referred the matter to a larger bench. That reference is now being examined by the nine-judge Constitution Bench.

The court has directed all parties to complete their written submissions by March 14, ahead of the oral hearings. With a structured schedule and strict timelines in place, the upcoming proceedings are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future application of the 2018 judgment on the Sabarimala temple.