Sabarimala Hearing: SC Says Most Difficult Task For Court is to Declare Beliefs of Millions Wrong

New Delhi: While hearing the review petitions in the Sabarimala case, the Supreme Court on Wednesday (April 15) said that it would be one of the most difficult tasks for a court to declare the beliefs of millions wrong or erroneous, reported Deccan Herald.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant also comprised of Justices B.V. Nagarathna, M.M. Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan, and Joymalya Bagchi.

Appearing for Travancore Devaswom Board, senior advocate A.M. Singhvi for the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) argued that while Article 25(2)(b) can be claimed by all sects of Hindus, for demanding entry to a Hindu religious institution of public character, the religious denomination will have the right under Article 26(b) to regulate how the inner rituals must be performed. He favoured for a harmonious interpretation of Article 25(2)(b) and Article 26(b).

Singhvi added that PILs by third parties cannot suddenly question the traditions followed for centuries in temples like Sabarimala and Guruvayoor. He said that PILs questioning regular religious practices cannot be entertained on the ground of violation of rights.

Responding to this, Justice Nagarathna observed that a PIL should not be entertained for the simple reason that the person who filed it is not a believer and not an aggrieved party.

The bench also said that social welfare cannot be used to hollow out religion.

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