New Delhi, Feb 16: The Supreme Court on Monday said a nine-judge Constitution bench will begin final hearing on April 7 on a batch of petitions concerning alleged discrimination against women in religions and at places of worship, including Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said the nine-judge bench, to be constituted by the CJI, will conduct hearings till April 22. Parties have been directed to file written submissions by March 14.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, supported pleas seeking review of the Sabarimala verdict that allowed entry of women of all age groups into the shrine.
The court-appointed lawyer Krishna Kumar Singh will act as nodal counsel for parties backing the review, while Shashwati Pari will represent those opposing it. Senior advocate K Parameshwar and Shivam Singh have been appointed amicus curiae, with Singh tasked to place the stand of all parties on record.
As per the schedule, review petitioners will be heard from April 7–9, opposing parties from April 14–16, rejoinders on April 21 and final amicus submissions on April 22. The court directed all sides to adhere strictly to the timeline. (Agencies)
