Justice BV Nagarathna has commenced drafting the judgment for the Supreme Court’s nine-member constitution bench regarding the Sabarimala reference. This case, which follows a 2018 ruling that permitted women of all ages to enter the Kerala temple, involves broader constitutional questions about religious freedom and the scope of judicial review. As the only female member of the bench, Justice Nagarathna’s involvement is particularly notable given her history of issuing independent opinions in significant constitutional matters, including recent cases on demonetization, industrial alcohol regulation, and mineral taxation. While other judges on the bench retain the right to author separate opinions, Justice Nagarathna’s role in shaping the final verdict is viewed as a critical development in determining how the court interprets the doctrine of essential religious practices and the interplay between various constitutional articles.
Source : Hindustan Times
Photo : Hindustan Times
