The Indian government argued before the Supreme Court that allowing women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple would disrupt established religious practices and beliefs. The Centre maintains that the ban is rooted in the nature of the deity, Lord Ayyappa, and should be upheld as a matter of religious autonomy.

• 01The Centre argues that the ban on women entering Sabarimala is based on religious beliefs, not gender discrimination.
• 02Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized that allowing women's entry would alter the nature of worship.
• 03The government insists that the issue is beyond judicial review and falls under religious autonomy.
• 04The Centre cautioned against using modern rationality to judge religious practices.
• 05The Supreme Court is set to hear review petitions against its 2018 judgment allowing women's entry.

The outcome of this case could significantly affect women's access to religious sites in India and the broader discourse on gender equality in religious practices.