The Supreme Court of India reiterated on Wednesday that Hinduism is fundamentally a way of life rather than a rigid set of rituals, emphasizing that temple visits or performing specific religious ceremonies are not mandatory to identify as a Hindu. The bench’s remarks came amid ongoing hearings concerning gender discrimination and restrictions on religious freedom at various places of worship across the country, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

The constitution bench highlighted the need to balance religious beliefs and traditions with constitutional principles, noting that personal faith can be expressed privately, such as by lighting a lamp at home, without necessitating participation in formal temple rituals. The court’s observations underscore a broader view that individual expressions of devotion are valid even outside conventional religious practices.

This development arises in the context of a contentious issue that has been under judicial review since 2018, when the Supreme Court lifted the ban preventing women of menstruating age from entering the Sabarimala temple. That landmark decision, which aimed to end gender-based restrictions and uphold constitutional rights to equality and religious freedom, has faced multiple challenges since its issuance. The current hearings represent a reconsideration of that ruling and its implications.

While the court has not yet issued a fresh verdict, the ongoing proceedings reflect the judiciary’s effort to navigate complex questions involving faith, tradition, gender rights, and individual liberties. The deliberations have attracted significant attention, as they touch upon sensitive aspects of religious practice and social norms in India’s diverse society.