🚨 Day 10 arguments in the Sabarimala Reference conclude.
Our hearing report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-10/
The Court will be back on 5 May (Tuesday) 10:30AM sharp.
As always, SCO will bring you accurate live updates and hearing reports.
Follow SCO on X: https://x.com/scobserver
Our hearing report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-10/
The Court will be back on 5 May (Tuesday) 10:30AM sharp.
As always, SCO will bring you accurate live updates and hearing reports.
Follow SCO on X: https://x.com/scobserver
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 10 : Practices cannot violate principles of equality, respondents argue - Supreme Court Observer
Bench asks whether a 10–50 age restriction results in “intersectional exclusion” despite not being caste-based
🌄 Good Morning!
9️⃣ Yesterday, respondents began submissions in the Sabarimala Reference, with Senior Advocate Indira Jaising leading the charge on how religious practices cannot violate constitutional guarantees of equality. Read: https://bit.ly/4t3EHy8
🪙 On 13 April, the Supreme Court compounded the last criminal complaint pending against promoters of Sterling Biotech, a Vadodara-based pharmaceutical group. We explain: https://bit.ly/4unoxRi
⚖️ Our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports has shortlisted five unmissable judgements from 20 April to 24 April 2026. Read: https://bit.ly/4eMuKBy
9️⃣ Yesterday, respondents began submissions in the Sabarimala Reference, with Senior Advocate Indira Jaising leading the charge on how religious practices cannot violate constitutional guarantees of equality. Read: https://bit.ly/4t3EHy8
🪙 On 13 April, the Supreme Court compounded the last criminal complaint pending against promoters of Sterling Biotech, a Vadodara-based pharmaceutical group. We explain: https://bit.ly/4unoxRi
⚖️ Our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports has shortlisted five unmissable judgements from 20 April to 24 April 2026. Read: https://bit.ly/4eMuKBy
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 10 : Practices cannot violate principles of equality, respondents argue - Supreme Court Observer
Bench asks whether a 10–50 age restriction results in “intersectional exclusion” despite not being caste-based
🌄 Good Morning!
9️⃣ On Day 10 of the Sabarimala Reference, counsel for respondents argued that no religious practice can be recognised under Articles 25 or 26 if it runs foul of principles of equality. Read: https://bit.ly/4t3EHy8
📊 How long does the Supreme Court take to deliver a judgement? Our new data analysis looks at 60 cases where the Court reserved judgement in July 2025: https://bit.ly/423Yy5l
🪙 While the Supreme Court faces heat over the ₹9,800 crore settlement with Sterling Biotech, we examine conflicting views on precedent, principles and arithmetic that remain unresolved: https://bit.ly/4unoxRi
9️⃣ On Day 10 of the Sabarimala Reference, counsel for respondents argued that no religious practice can be recognised under Articles 25 or 26 if it runs foul of principles of equality. Read: https://bit.ly/4t3EHy8
📊 How long does the Supreme Court take to deliver a judgement? Our new data analysis looks at 60 cases where the Court reserved judgement in July 2025: https://bit.ly/423Yy5l
🪙 While the Supreme Court faces heat over the ₹9,800 crore settlement with Sterling Biotech, we examine conflicting views on precedent, principles and arithmetic that remain unresolved: https://bit.ly/4unoxRi
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 10 : Practices cannot violate principles of equality, respondents argue - Supreme Court Observer
Bench asks whether a 10–50 age restriction results in “intersectional exclusion” despite not being caste-based
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In a special sitting of the Supreme Court yesterday, a bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha & Joymalya Bagchi dismissed an appeal by the All India Trinamool Congress, challenging the ECI directive to deploy Central government employees for counting votes. Our newsletter covers the developments: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/through-courtrooms-and-constituencies/
Supreme Court Observer
Through courtrooms and constituencies - Supreme Court Observer
An urgent pre-counting hearing was the TMC’s final attempt at challenging the poll procedure in West Bengal.
🌞 Good morning!
🗳️ Last week, the Supreme Court, in an urgent Saturday hearing, dismissed the All India Trinamool Congress’s plea challenging the exclusion of State employees from supervisory duty over vote counting scheduled for today in the West Bengal elections. Read: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/through-courtrooms-and-constituencies/
⏰ In February, the Supreme Court directed rigid timelines for concluding arguments in two Constitution Bench matters. Did the parties meet the mandate? Our analysis: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/verbosity-and-repetitions/
⚖️ Our latest commentary analyses a new bill from Gujrat that expands state control over marriages as the constitutionality of the anti-conversion law remains pending. Read: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/when-laws-move-faster-than-courts/
🗳️ Last week, the Supreme Court, in an urgent Saturday hearing, dismissed the All India Trinamool Congress’s plea challenging the exclusion of State employees from supervisory duty over vote counting scheduled for today in the West Bengal elections. Read: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/through-courtrooms-and-constituencies/
⏰ In February, the Supreme Court directed rigid timelines for concluding arguments in two Constitution Bench matters. Did the parties meet the mandate? Our analysis: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/verbosity-and-repetitions/
⚖️ Our latest commentary analyses a new bill from Gujrat that expands state control over marriages as the constitutionality of the anti-conversion law remains pending. Read: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/when-laws-move-faster-than-courts/
Supreme Court Observer
Through courtrooms and constituencies - Supreme Court Observer
An urgent pre-counting hearing was the TMC’s final attempt at challenging the poll procedure in West Bengal.
🌞 Good Morning!
🏳️🌈 Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Union and the States on the challenge against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026. Hearing report: https://bit.ly/4weXObq
🛕Today, a nine-judge Bench is scheduled to continue hearing arguments in the Sabarimala Reference. Here’s what happened on Day 10: https://bit.ly/4t3EHy8
⚖️ As the Court hears the Sabarimala Reference, we looked at the evolution of the essential religious practices (ERP) doctrine over 19 cases. Read: https://bit.ly/4u1LppB
📮 Volume 5 Issue 1 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCOLR) shortlists unmissable judgements from 27 April to 1 May 2026: https://bit.ly/49gEUa3
🏳️🌈 Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Union and the States on the challenge against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026. Hearing report: https://bit.ly/4weXObq
🛕Today, a nine-judge Bench is scheduled to continue hearing arguments in the Sabarimala Reference. Here’s what happened on Day 10: https://bit.ly/4t3EHy8
⚖️ As the Court hears the Sabarimala Reference, we looked at the evolution of the essential religious practices (ERP) doctrine over 19 cases. Read: https://bit.ly/4u1LppB
📮 Volume 5 Issue 1 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCOLR) shortlists unmissable judgements from 27 April to 1 May 2026: https://bit.ly/49gEUa3
Supreme Court Observer
Challenge to Transgender Persons Amendment Act 2026 | Supreme Court issues notice, declines interim stay - Supreme Court Observer
Division Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined requests from petitioners seeking an interim stay of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026.
On Day 11, respondents will continue arguments in the Sabarimala Reference. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising argued last week that religious practices must conform with principles of equality.
Our hearing report and X thread will give you live-updates throughout the day.
Day 11 Report (to-be updated): https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-11/
Live thread: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2051527698691027324?s=20
Our hearing report and X thread will give you live-updates throughout the day.
Day 11 Report (to-be updated): https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-11/
Live thread: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2051527698691027324?s=20
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 11: Denominational rights cannot overpower individual claims, respondents argue - Supreme Court Observer
Original petitioners in the 2018 Sabarimala Judgement questioned the validity of the reference and the bench strength
Day 11 of the Sabarimala Reference: Arguments today focused on the validity of the reference, with respondents urging the Court to balance religious denominational rights over competing individual claims. Hearings continue tomorrow.
Report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-11/
Report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-11/
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 11: Denominational rights cannot overpower individual claims, respondents argue - Supreme Court Observer
Original petitioners in the 2018 Sabarimala Judgement questioned the validity of the reference and the bench strength
🌞 Good Morning!
🛕 On Day 11, the respondents challenged the validity of the Sabarimala Reference and addressed issues of temple entry, identity and denominational control. Arguments will continue today. Read: https://bit.ly/42cE0HQ
⏰ In our analysis, we examine if the Sabarimala hearings adhered to the Court mandated timelines: https://bit.ly/4tTZsNO
📮 In our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR), we shortlist unmissable judgements from 27 April to 1 May 2026: https://bit.ly/49gEUa3
⚖️ We trace the evolution of the Supreme Court jurisprudence on the essential religious practices (ERP) doctrine over 19 cases: https://bit.ly/4u1LppB
🛕 On Day 11, the respondents challenged the validity of the Sabarimala Reference and addressed issues of temple entry, identity and denominational control. Arguments will continue today. Read: https://bit.ly/42cE0HQ
⏰ In our analysis, we examine if the Sabarimala hearings adhered to the Court mandated timelines: https://bit.ly/4tTZsNO
📮 In our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR), we shortlist unmissable judgements from 27 April to 1 May 2026: https://bit.ly/49gEUa3
⚖️ We trace the evolution of the Supreme Court jurisprudence on the essential religious practices (ERP) doctrine over 19 cases: https://bit.ly/4u1LppB
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 11: Denominational rights cannot overpower individual claims, respondents argue - Supreme Court Observer
Original petitioners in the 2018 Sabarimala Judgement questioned the validity of the reference and the bench strength
Yesterday the Union Cabinet approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 to raise the sanctioned strength of the top court from 34 to 38 judges. This proposal suggests that a bigger strength would translate to speedy justice as pendency trends reach new records.
Our report: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/cabinet-clears-bill-to-expand-supreme-court-strength-to-38-judges/
Our report: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/cabinet-clears-bill-to-expand-supreme-court-strength-to-38-judges/
Supreme Court Observer
Cabinet clears Bill to expand Supreme Court strength to 38 judges
The proposal suggests that a bigger strength would translate to speedy justice as pendency trends reach new records
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🌞 Good Morning!
👨🏻⚖️ On 5 May, the Union cabinet approved a bill to raise the sanctioned strength of the top court from 34 to 38 judges. Our report: https://bit.ly/4tmnH6n
🛕 On day 12 of the Sabarimala Reference, respondents placed a common defense of individual dignity and freedom against what they described as “untrammeled” denominational power. Read: https://bit.ly/42g5Piu
⚖️ Yesterday, a two-judge bench heard petitions challenging executive dominance in appointment of election commissioners. Our report: https://bit.ly/4wgyaCO
👨🏻⚖️ On 5 May, the Union cabinet approved a bill to raise the sanctioned strength of the top court from 34 to 38 judges. Our report: https://bit.ly/4tmnH6n
🛕 On day 12 of the Sabarimala Reference, respondents placed a common defense of individual dignity and freedom against what they described as “untrammeled” denominational power. Read: https://bit.ly/42g5Piu
⚖️ Yesterday, a two-judge bench heard petitions challenging executive dominance in appointment of election commissioners. Our report: https://bit.ly/4wgyaCO
Supreme Court Observer
Cabinet clears Bill to expand Supreme Court strength to 38 judges
The proposal suggests that a bigger strength would translate to speedy justice as pendency trends reach new records
On Day 13, the nine-judge Bench will continue to hear respondents in the Sabarimala Reference. Yesterday, respondents argued that excommunication owing to inter-faith marriages violates women's autonomy and dignity.
🧵 Follow this thread for live updates from the Court: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2052258217439412382?s=20
Day 13 Report (to-be updated): https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-13/
🧵 Follow this thread for live updates from the Court: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2052258217439412382?s=20
Day 13 Report (to-be updated): https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-13/
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Supreme Court Observer (@scobserver) on X
On Day 13, the nine-judge Bench will continue to hear respondents in the Sabarimala Reference. Yesterday, respondents argued that excommunication owing to inter-faith marriages violates women's autonomy and dignity.
🧵 Follow this thread for live updates…
🧵 Follow this thread for live updates…
🌸 Good Morning!
🛕 On Day 13 of hearing the Sabarimala Reference, respondents argued that the authority of religious denominations cannot extend to bodily autonomy. Read: https://bit.ly/4f8ZooQ
🗳️ Yesterday, petitioners challenging the constitutionality of the ECI Appointments Act, 2023 argued that the law undermines free and fair elections. Hearing report: https://bit.ly/4wbP1GZ
👨🏻⚖️ A bill approved by the Union Cabinet aims to raise the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges. The proposal suggests that a bigger strength would translate to speedy justice: https://bit.ly/4tmnH6n
🛕 On Day 13 of hearing the Sabarimala Reference, respondents argued that the authority of religious denominations cannot extend to bodily autonomy. Read: https://bit.ly/4f8ZooQ
🗳️ Yesterday, petitioners challenging the constitutionality of the ECI Appointments Act, 2023 argued that the law undermines free and fair elections. Hearing report: https://bit.ly/4wbP1GZ
👨🏻⚖️ A bill approved by the Union Cabinet aims to raise the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges. The proposal suggests that a bigger strength would translate to speedy justice: https://bit.ly/4tmnH6n
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 13: Religious authority cannot extend to bodily autonomy, respondents contend - Supreme Court Observer
The Bench observed that “public health” may be sufficient to test practices involving female genital mutilation (FGM).
🏙️ Good Morning!
🏛️ The Supreme Court recently set aside “caste-coloured” bail conditions requiring Dalit and Adivasi activists to sweep a police station premises. We analyse the order: https://bit.ly/4dwKcAN
📈 In April 2026, pendency in the Supreme Court reduced by 320 cases despite 9 judges being occupied in a Constitution Bench hearing: https://bit.ly/3R3VIuG
⏪ Our Monthly Review of April 2026: https://bit.ly/4nj0jVU
🗳️ Last week, the Supreme Court heard challenges to the validity of the ECI Appointments Act, 2023. Petitioners argued that the law undermined free and fair elections: https://bit.ly/4wbP1GZ
🏛️ The Supreme Court recently set aside “caste-coloured” bail conditions requiring Dalit and Adivasi activists to sweep a police station premises. We analyse the order: https://bit.ly/4dwKcAN
📈 In April 2026, pendency in the Supreme Court reduced by 320 cases despite 9 judges being occupied in a Constitution Bench hearing: https://bit.ly/3R3VIuG
⏪ Our Monthly Review of April 2026: https://bit.ly/4nj0jVU
🗳️ Last week, the Supreme Court heard challenges to the validity of the ECI Appointments Act, 2023. Petitioners argued that the law undermined free and fair elections: https://bit.ly/4wbP1GZ
Supreme Court Observer
The Supreme Court's rebuke to a broom-bearing bail Order - Supreme Court Observer
As the Court voids unfair bail conditions in Odisha, deeper structural diagnosis remains untouched
🪴 Good Morning!
🛕 Today, a Constitution Bench will continue hearing the Sabarimala Reference. Here’s what happened on Day 13: https://bit.ly/4f8ZooQ
🗳️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court said challenges to the West Bengal election results would require separate proceedings, after petitioners argued that SIR related deletions exceed victory margins in 31 constituencies: https://bit.ly/3PeJ3EM
📚 Volume 5 Issue 2 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) highlights five important judgements from last week. Read now: https://bit.ly/4wp02VA
🛕 Today, a Constitution Bench will continue hearing the Sabarimala Reference. Here’s what happened on Day 13: https://bit.ly/4f8ZooQ
🗳️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court said challenges to the West Bengal election results would require separate proceedings, after petitioners argued that SIR related deletions exceed victory margins in 31 constituencies: https://bit.ly/3PeJ3EM
📚 Volume 5 Issue 2 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) highlights five important judgements from last week. Read now: https://bit.ly/4wp02VA
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 13: Religious authority cannot extend to bodily autonomy, respondents contend - Supreme Court Observer
The Bench observed that “public health” may be sufficient to test practices involving female genital mutilation (FGM).
🚨 Day 14 arguments in the Sabarimala Reference conclude.
Read our hearing report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-14/
The Court will be back for Day 15 arguments tomorrow at 10:30 AM.
As always, SCO will bring you accurate live updates and hearing reports.
Follow SCO on X: https://x.com/scobserver
Read our hearing report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-14/
The Court will be back for Day 15 arguments tomorrow at 10:30 AM.
As always, SCO will bring you accurate live updates and hearing reports.
Follow SCO on X: https://x.com/scobserver
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 14: Constitution envisages reform within religion, respondents argue - Supreme Court Observer
The Bench questioned whether social reform under Article 25(2) can reshape denominational protections claimed under Article 26
🌇 Good Morning!
📷 Photojournalist Raghu Rai’s images of Bhopal were “stark, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore,” writes activist Rachna Dhingra, who worked closely with survivors of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Read: https://bit.ly/433Q6TT
🛕 Yesterday, respondents in the Sabarimala Reference argued that the Constitution envisions social reform within religion. Read: https://bit.ly/42wrGSR
👩⚖️ Since its inception, the Collegium has had only six women members. We explore the history of women judges in the Supreme Court Collegium: https://bit.ly/4ffh9Tx
📷 Photojournalist Raghu Rai’s images of Bhopal were “stark, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore,” writes activist Rachna Dhingra, who worked closely with survivors of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Read: https://bit.ly/433Q6TT
🛕 Yesterday, respondents in the Sabarimala Reference argued that the Constitution envisions social reform within religion. Read: https://bit.ly/42wrGSR
👩⚖️ Since its inception, the Collegium has had only six women members. We explore the history of women judges in the Supreme Court Collegium: https://bit.ly/4ffh9Tx
Supreme Court Observer
'Portrait of a Corporate Crime': How Raghu Rai captured the Bhopal movement - Supreme Court Observer %
Rai's portrait exposed the ground reality as corporate interests sought a settlement endorsed by the Supreme Court
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On Day 15 of the Sabarimala Reference, the nine-judge Bench will continue hearing arguments by the Respondents.
Day 15 Report (To be updated): https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-15/
Follow this thread on X to get live updates from the Court: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2054428306527912269
Day 15 Report (To be updated): https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-15/
Follow this thread on X to get live updates from the Court: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2054428306527912269
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 15: Essential religious practices test faces challenges from both sides - Supreme Court Observer
The Bench observed that Article 25 protects the rights of “all” persons “equally and freely”, irrespective of religion.
🌤️ Good Morning!
🛕 The hearings for the Sabarimala Reference are expected to conclude today. On Day 15, the essential religious practices test came under challenge from both respondents and the review petitioners: https://bit.ly/4dmdrFk
🗳️ Today, the Court is scheduled to hear challenges against the ECI Appointments Act, 2023. Previously, petitioners argued that executive interference in appointments of election commissioners undermines free and fair elections: https://bit.ly/4wbP1GZ
📷 Activist Rachna Dhingra writes that Raghu Rai’s photographs of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy became both moral testimony and evidence in survivors’ fight against the state-corporate nexus. Read our commentary: https://bit.ly/433Q6TT
👩🏻⚖️ In Part 3 of our Collegium series, we examine the representation of women in the Supreme Court Collegium over the years. Read: https://bit.ly/4ff
🛕 The hearings for the Sabarimala Reference are expected to conclude today. On Day 15, the essential religious practices test came under challenge from both respondents and the review petitioners: https://bit.ly/4dmdrFk
🗳️ Today, the Court is scheduled to hear challenges against the ECI Appointments Act, 2023. Previously, petitioners argued that executive interference in appointments of election commissioners undermines free and fair elections: https://bit.ly/4wbP1GZ
📷 Activist Rachna Dhingra writes that Raghu Rai’s photographs of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy became both moral testimony and evidence in survivors’ fight against the state-corporate nexus. Read our commentary: https://bit.ly/433Q6TT
👩🏻⚖️ In Part 3 of our Collegium series, we examine the representation of women in the Supreme Court Collegium over the years. Read: https://bit.ly/4ff
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 15: Essential religious practices test faces challenges from both sides - Supreme Court Observer
The Bench observed that Article 25 protects the rights of “all” persons “equally and freely”, irrespective of religion.
On Day 16, the Sabarimala Reference is expected to conclude. The nine-judge Bench will hear the amici and rejoinder submissions.
Day 16 Report (To-be updated): https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-16/
Follow this thread on X to get live updates from the Court: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2054790447625839050
Day 16 Report (To-be updated): https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sabarimala-reference-day-16/
Follow this thread on X to get live updates from the Court: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2054790447625839050
Supreme Court Observer
Sabarimala Reference | Day 16: Supreme Court reserves judgement - Supreme Court Observer
The CJI observed that Constitutional courts cannot surrender responsibility in religious freedom disputes.