During a recent hearing, the Supreme Court of India clarified that it is not necessary for a Hindu to visit a temple or perform rituals to identify as a Hindu. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and other justices discussed the broader implications of religious freedom and the need for reform in practices that may discriminate against women. Justice BV Nagarathna emphasized that many individuals may not have a prayer space yet still identify as Hindu, reinforcing that Hinduism is a way of life. Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy argued that the Constitution promotes reform within religions, particularly Hinduism, and that Articles 25 and 26 should not protect exclusionary practices that conflict with equality and dignity. The court previously ruled in 2018 that a ban preventing women aged 10 to 50 from entering the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple was unconstitutional, highlighting ongoing debates about women's rights in religious contexts.