During a Supreme Court hearing regarding the Sabarimala temple case, Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that social reforms must adhere to the 'lakshman rekha' established by the legislature and should not compromise religious integrity. The court is reviewing its September 28, 2018 ruling that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple in Kerala. The discussion centered around Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and allow for legislative intervention in religious practices for social reform. Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, representing the state of Kerala, argued that social reforms can coexist with religious rights, while other advocates highlighted the potential risks of interpreting public morality in a way that could infringe upon individual religious freedoms. The Chief Justice raised concerns about the reliability of surveys used to gauge public opinion on sensitive issues, suggesting that authentic data is necessary for informed decision-making. The court's deliberations reflect the complex interplay between social reform and religious rights in contemporary India.