Sabarimala Temple Entry: Judgment Matrix

On 28th September 2018, the Court delivered its verdict in Sabarimala Temple Entry. A 4:1 majority held that the temple’s practice of excluding women is unconstitutional. It held that the practice violated the fundamental rights to equality, liberty and freedom of religion, Articles 14, 15, 19(1), 21 and 25(1). It struck down Rule 3(b) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship Act as unconstitutional. Rule 3(b) allowed for Hindu denominations to exclude women from public places of worship, if the exclusion was based on ‘custom’.

The Court delivered four separate opinions: Chief Justice Misra (writing on behalf of himself and Justice Khanwilkar), Justice Nariman, Justice Chandrachud, Justice Malhotra. Justice Nariman and Justice Chandrachud gave concurring opinions. The dissenting opinion in the case was delivered by Justice Indu Malhotra.

SCO’s Judgment Matrix breaks down the Judgment, listing the opinion of each Judge on each issue deliberated by the Bench. Click the button below.