Day 2 Hearing Highlights
The Supreme Court clarified that the ongoing hearing on the Sabarimala case will not revisit the earlier verdict; instead it will confine its scrutiny to core constitutional questions.
Key Developments (Day 2)
- The bench stated that the earlier judgment will stand and the court will only examine whether the Constitution has been correctly interpreted on matters of gender and caste.
- Justice Nagarathna emphasized that Article 17 cannot be applied selectively, rejecting the notion of "untouchability for three days a month".
- The Solicitor General argued that India is not "patriarchal or gender‑stereotyped" in the way the West perceives it, underscoring the constitutional commitment to Gender Equality.
Important Facts
- The hearing is part of a larger review that began after the 2018 Sabarimala verdict, which allowed women of all ages to enter the shrine.
- Article 17, which abolishes Untouchability, was invoked by petitioners to argue for broader social reforms beyond the temple context.
- The bench comprised senior judges, with Justice Nagarathna delivering a notable remark on the misuse of constitutional provisions for selective discrimination.
Relevance for UPSC Aspirants
Understanding this case is crucial for GS 2 (Polity) as it illustrates:
- The role of the Supreme Court in safeguarding fundamental rights.
- How constitutional articles (e.g., Article 17) are interpreted in contemporary social issues.
- The interplay between law, social reform, and cultural practices, a recurring theme in ethics and governance questions.
Way Forward
While the court will not overturn the 2018 decision, the focus on constitutional interpretation may lead to:
- Clarified jurisprudence on the limits of Article 17 in contexts unrelated to caste‑based discrimination.
- Potential guidelines on how the state can balance religious customs with the constitutional mandate of Gender Equality.
- Further legislative or policy measures to address lingering social biases, ensuring that the spirit of the Constitution permeates everyday practice.
For aspirants, tracking the final judgment will provide insight into the evolving interpretation of fundamental rights and the judiciary’s role in social transformation.