Sabarimala Case: Why Supreme Court Says Temple Restrictions Can Divide Society

The Supreme Court of India heard the ongoing case on women’s entry into the Sabarimala Temple.

A 9-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant is hearing the matter.

What the Court Said

Justice B. V. Nagarathna said:

“Preventing any specific class of people from entering a temple would lead to a division in society. This is not at all appropriate for the Hindu religion.”

She also questioned:

“Suppose it is said that only Goud Saraswat people will go to a specific temple and no one else, or people of the Kanchi Mutt will go to Kanchi but not to other Mutts like Sringeri—would that be right?”

She added that:

“The more people visit different Mutts or temples, the stronger the religion will become.”

Government’s Argument

Senior Advocate Vaidyanathan, representing the Centre, said religious matters are sensitive and courts usually do not interfere.

He argued:

If a temple is only for a specific community, it should not take donations from others.

If people are not allowed darshan, accepting their money is not fair.

He also said temple practices, like serving vegetarian food, cannot be changed based on individual demands.

Quick Take:

The court stressed inclusivity, while the government highlighted respect for traditional practices.