New Delhi, February 16 The Supreme Court announced on Monday that a nine-judge bench will begin the final hearing on a batch of petitions related to discrimination against women in religions and religious places, including the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said the bench, to be constituted by the CJI, will begin the crucial hearing on the petitions on April 7.
The hearing is expected to conclude on April 22.
The bench asked the parties to submit their written arguments by March 14.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for the Centre said he supports the pleas for a review of the Sabarimala verdict that allowed entry of women of all age groups into the sacred shrine in Kerala.
The lawyer appointed by the bench, Krishna Kumar Singh, is the nodal counsel for parties supporting the review of the Sabarimala verdict.
The bench also appointed Shashwati Pari as the nodal counsel for those opposing the review of the verdict.
"We also deem it appropriate that senior advocate K Parameshwar, along with Shivam Singh, be appointed as amici. Singh will submit the stand taken by all parties before this court," the CJI said.
"The nine-judge bench will begin hearing the Sabarimala review case on April 7, 2026, at 10:30 am. The petitioners or the party supporting them will be heard from April 7 to April 9. Those opposing the review will be heard on April 14 to April 16. Any rejoinder submissions will be heard on April 21, 2026, followed by the final and concluding submissions by the learned amici, which is expected to be over by April 22," the order said.
The bench asked the lawyers for the parties to adhere to the time schedule.
