New Delhi, Feb 16: The Supreme Court on Monday announced that a nine-judge bench will begin final hearings on a batch of petitions concerning alleged discrimination against women in religions and at religious places, including Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi said that the nine-judge bench, to be constituted by the CJI, will commence hearings on April 7. The proceedings are expected to conclude by April 22.
The court directed all parties to file their written submissions on or before March 14.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said he supported the pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict, which had allowed the entry of women of all age groups into the hill-top shrine in Kerala.
Advocate Krishna Kumar Singh has been appointed as the nodal counsel for parties supporting the review of the verdict, while Shashwati Pari will serve as nodal counsel for those opposing it.
The court also appointed senior advocate K. Parameshwar along with Shivam Singh as amicus curiae. Singh will compile and submit the stand taken by all parties before the court.
According to the court’s order, the nine-judge bench will hear the review petitioners and supporting parties from April 7 to April 9. Those opposing the review will be heard from April 14 to April 16. Rejoinder submissions, if any, will be taken up on April 21, followed by final submissions from the amicus. The hearing is expected to conclude on April 22.
The bench instructed all parties to strictly adhere to the schedule. (Agencies)
