CJI Bench Reserves Verdict in Sabarimala Case

The Supreme Court has stated that it will sincerely discharge its constitutional duty of judicial review as mandated by the Indian Constitution. A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant clarified that the judiciary will not abdicate its responsibility in matters of social reform and welfare.

The bench reserved its judgment after 16 days of hearing petitions challenging discrimination against women in places of worship, including the Sabarimala temple. It allowed written submissions until the 29th of this month. The Court emphasized that while social reform is primarily the role of the legislature, the judiciary has a constitutional role in specific circumstances. The amicus curiae, senior advocate K. Parameshwaran, stated that the judiciary is neither an overenthusiastic reformer nor a passive spectator. Agreeing with this view, CJI Surya Kant observed that the judiciary cannot ignore its constitutional duty. The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued that courts should avoid judicial review in matters of religious practices.