New Delhi, February 16: The Supreme Court’s nine-judge constitutional bench will commence hearings on the review petitions concerning the Sabarimala case starting April 7. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, has set a detailed schedule to conclude arguments by April 22 regarding the petitions challenging the court’s September 2018 decision that allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple.
All parties involved have been directed to submit their written arguments by March 14 or earlier. Citing an order from February 10, 2020, the Supreme Court noted that seven legal questions had already been formulated for consideration by the nine-judge bench.
In its order, the Supreme Court stated, “In this context, and to ultimately resolve the pending legal questions in these matters, we direct the parties to file their written submissions by March 14 or earlier.”
According to the schedule set by the Supreme Court, arguments supporting the review petitions will be heard from April 7 to 9, while those opposing the review will present their arguments from April 14 to 16. If any rebuttal arguments are to be presented, they will be heard on April 21, followed by final submissions from amicus curiae, expected to conclude on April 22.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud, instructed, “The parties will adhere to the above schedule. The nodal counsel will prepare internal arrangements in consultation with the parties’ lawyers to ensure that oral arguments from both sides are heard within the stipulated timeframe.”
During the proceedings, the apex court remarked that the constitutional bench’s proceedings are “more important than anything else” and urged both sides to keep their schedules clear for the designated dates.
The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, informed the Supreme Court that the central government supports the review petitions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.