The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, stated that religion is a matter of conscience and should not be subject to judgment by secular authorities. This statement came during the review of the September 28, 2018, ruling that lifted restrictions on women's entry into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The court is examining the relationship between Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which protect religious freedom and the management of religious affairs by denominations. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, representing women who entered the temple, argued for the importance of the essential religious practices test, while the bench cautioned against potential dangers of prioritizing individual beliefs over communal sentiments. Justice Nagarathna emphasized that diversity is a strength of the nation and that the court does not wish to participate in the annihilation of religion. The discussions also touched on the absence of a Uniform Civil Code in India, with the court recognizing the need for social reform while respecting religious practices.