Q: Which constitutional article specifically empowers the State to regulate religious practices that are not essential to the religion, as highlighted in the Sabarimala PIL?

Article 25(2)(b) allows the State to intervene in non‑essential religious practices; this provision is central to the Sabarimala debate. Relevant for GS1.

Q: Explain why the Supreme Court suggested a higher threshold for PILs challenging religious customs in the Sabarimala reference.

Mention the need to prevent frivolous interference, protect majority faith, and preserve the sanctity of religious doctrines while ensuring that only genuine public interest cases are entertained. Relevant for GS2.

Q: Critically evaluate the tension between Articles 14, 15 and Articles 25(2)(b), 26(b) in the context of age‑based restrictions at Sabarimala. How should the judiciary balance equality and religious freedom?

Structure the essay with introduction, constitutional provisions, jurisprudential precedents (e.g., Shayara Bano, Indian Young Lawyers Association), analysis of age‑based classification, and conclude with a balanced judicial approach or suggested guidelines. Relevant for GS2.

The Supreme Court, hearing the Sabarimala reference, heard senior advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi argue that PILs challenging long‑standing religious practices should face a very high threshold, especially when filed by non‑believers. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, underscored the difficulty of declaring the faith of millions wrong and signalled that only extraordinary cases might warrant judicial intervention.

Overview The Supreme Court is hearing the Sabarimala reference for the fourth consecutive day. Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for the Travancore Devaswom Board and argued that petitions questioning long‑standing religious customs should face a very high threshold. Key Developments (Bullet Points) Singhvi urged the nine‑judge bench to treat PIL on religious matters as exceptional, proposing a threshold ten times higher than for ordinary PILs. Justice Bagchi raised a hypothetical scenario of a sect preaching mass suicide, asking whether the Court could intervene on a PIL filed by a non‑believer. Chief Justice Surya Kant described the difficulty of declaring the faith of millions wrong, hinting that the Court might act suo motu in extreme cases. Justices Nagarathna and Sundresh stressed that a PIL filed by a third‑party non‑devotee would likely be dismissed as an "interloper". Singhvi highlighted the unique theological character of the Sabarimala deity, arguing that any constitutional challenge must consider the temple’s specific doctrine of celibacy. Important Facts The bench comprises CJI Surya Kant , Justices BV Nagarathna, MM Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi. The contested practice bars women aged 10‑50 from entry, while permitting those below 10 and above 50 to worship. Singhvi argued that the restriction is age‑based, not gender‑based, and must be examined under Article 14 and Article 15 of the Constitution. He also referenced Articles 25(2)(b) and 26(b), contending that the temple’s management of its own religious affairs is constitutionally protected. UPSC Relevance The debate touches upon several core GS2 topics: the balance between Article 32 and the doctrine of religious freedom; the limits of judicial intervention in personal law and temple administration; and the interpretation of equality clauses (Articles 14 & 15) in the context of age‑based classifications. Understanding the jurisprudential arguments helps aspirants analyse how the Constitution mediates between individual rights and collective religious sentiment. Way Forward While the Court has not yet ruled, the arguments suggest a cautious approach: any PIL challenging a religious practice must demonstrate a compelling public interest beyond doctrinal disagreement. Future judgments are likely to delineate clearer criteria for "inter‑religious" PILs and may set precedents on when the Supreme Court can act suo motu . Aspirants should monitor subsequent orders for insights into constitutional balancing tests and the evolving jurisprudence on religious liberty.

<h2>Overview</h2> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Supreme Court of India — the apex judicial body that interprets the Constitution and adjudicates disputes, crucial for GS2: Polity">Supreme Court</span> is hearing the Sabarimala reference for the fourth consecutive day. Senior Advocate <strong>Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi</strong> appeared for the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Travancore Devaswom Board — the statutory body that administers temples in Kerala, including Sabarimala (GS2: Polity)">Travancore Devaswom Board</span> and argued that petitions questioning long‑standing religious customs should face a very high threshold.</p> <h3>Key Developments (Bullet Points)</h3> <ul> <li>Singhvi urged the nine‑judge bench to treat <span class="key-term" data-definition="Public Interest Litigation (PIL) — a legal mechanism allowing any individual or group to approach the court for the protection of public rights, significant in GS2: Polity">PIL</span> on religious matters as exceptional, proposing a threshold ten times higher than for ordinary PILs.</li> <li>Justice <strong>Bagchi</strong> raised a hypothetical scenario of a sect preaching mass suicide, asking whether the Court could intervene on a PIL filed by a non‑believer.</li> <li>Chief Justice <strong>Surya Kant</strong> described the difficulty of declaring the faith of millions wrong, hinting that the Court might act <em>suo motu</em> in extreme cases.</li> <li>Justices <strong>Nagarathna</strong> and <strong>Sundresh</strong> stressed that a PIL filed by a third‑party non‑devotee would likely be dismissed as an "interloper".</li> <li>Singhvi highlighted the unique theological character of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Sabarimala Temple — a prominent Hindu shrine in Kerala dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, often at the centre of debates on gender equality and religious freedom (GS2: Polity)">Sabarimala</span> deity, arguing that any constitutional challenge must consider the temple’s specific doctrine of celibacy.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <ul> <li>The bench comprises <strong>CJI Surya Kant</strong>, Justices BV Nagarathna, MM Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi.</li> <li>The contested practice bars women aged 10‑50 from entry, while permitting those below 10 and above 50 to worship.</li> <li>Singhvi argued that the restriction is age‑based, not gender‑based, and must be examined under <span class="key-term" data-definition="Article 14 — guarantees equality before law and equal protection of the law, a cornerstone of GS2: Polity">Article 14</span> and <span class="key-term" data-definition="Article 15 — prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (GS2: Polity)">Article 15</span> of the Constitution.</li> <li>He also referenced Articles 25(2)(b) and 26(b), contending that the temple’s management of its own religious affairs is constitutionally protected.</li> </ul> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>The debate touches upon several core GS2 topics: the balance between <span class="key-term" data-definition="Article 32 — constitutional provision guaranteeing the right to constitutional remedies, enabling individuals to approach the Supreme Court directly (GS2: Polity)">Article 32</span> and the doctrine of religious freedom; the limits of judicial intervention in personal law and temple administration; and the interpretation of equality clauses (Articles 14 & 15) in the context of age‑based classifications. Understanding the jurisprudential arguments helps aspirants analyse how the Constitution mediates between individual rights and collective religious sentiment.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>While the Court has not yet ruled, the arguments suggest a cautious approach: any PIL challenging a religious practice must demonstrate a compelling public interest beyond doctrinal disagreement. Future judgments are likely to delineate clearer criteria for "inter‑religious" PILs and may set precedents on when the Supreme Court can act <em>suo motu</em>. Aspirants should monitor subsequent orders for insights into constitutional balancing tests and the evolving jurisprudence on religious liberty.</p>

Quick Reference

Key Insight

SC stresses ultra‑high PIL threshold for religious‑practice challenges, impacting Sabarimala case

Key Facts

The nine‑judge bench includes CJI Surya Kant, Justices BV Nagarathna, MM Sundresh, Joymalya Bagchi, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B. Varale and R. Mahadevan.
Sabarimala Temple restricts entry of women aged 10‑50; girls <10 and women >50 are allowed.
Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Travancore Devaswom Board, urged a PIL threshold "ten times" higher for religious matters.
Petitioners invoke Articles 14, 15, 25(2)(b) and 26(b) to challenge the age‑based restriction.
Justices Nagarathna and Sundresh warned that a PIL filed by a non‑devotee could be dismissed as an "interloper".
Chief Justice Surya Kant hinted at suo motu intervention only in extreme cases where millions' faith is at stake.

Background

The debate sits at the intersection of constitutional law and social justice, testing the balance between Article 25‑26's protection of religious practice and Articles 14‑15's equality guarantees. It also raises procedural questions about the admissibility of PILs on faith‑based issues, a recurring theme in GS‑2 polity and ethics syllabus.

UPSC Syllabus

GS2 — Executive and Judiciary - structure, organization and functioning
Essay — Society, Gender and Social Justice
Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System
Essay — Philosophy, Ethics and Human Values
Prelims_GS — Public Policy and Rights Issues
GS3 — Environmental Impact Assessment
GS4 — Lessons from lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators
GS4 — Integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity and dedication to public service

Mains Angle

GS‑2: Discuss how the Supreme Court can reconcile religious freedom with gender‑equality mandates while setting criteria for PILs challenging personal laws. The answer should evaluate constitutional provisions, judicial precedents and the concept of ‘interloper’ litigants.

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