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SC 9-Judge Bench Examines Article 25 vs Article 26 in Sabarimala Temple Control Reference

PolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
12 Apr 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Article 25Article 26
Bodies:Supreme Court
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What This Article Covers

1.The Supreme Court's 9-judge bench is hearing a reference on the interplay between Article 25 and Article 26 of the Constitution regarding state control of temples.

2.The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued that the appointment of temple priests (archakas) is not a secular function and should not be state-controlled.

3.Hindu outfits oppose the Centre's stand, arguing states misuse Article 25 to exert perpetual control over temple management, wealth, and rituals.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

A 9-judge Supreme Court bench is examining the constitutional limits of state control over Hindu temples, focusing on the clash between individual religious rights under Article 25 and denominational management rights under Article 26. This hearing, arising from the Sabarimala review, tests the state's power to regulate temples versus the autonomy of religious denominations.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Constitutional ArticlesArticle 25 & Article 26
Supreme Court Bench9-Judge Bench headed by CJI Surya Kant
Key Legal QuestionInterplay between Article 25 & Article 26 rights
Solicitor GeneralTushar Mehta

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Constitutional Articles: Article 25 & Article 26
  • ›Supreme Court Bench: 9-Judge Bench headed by CJI Surya Kant
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, especially Article 25(2)(a) & (b) and Article 26(b).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: The 9-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court.
  • ›Target this Context: The reference arises from review petitions in the Sabarimala case (2018 judgment).

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

As per the news, which constitutional article grants religious denominations the right to manage their own affairs in matters of religion?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the constitutional provisions discussed in the Sabarimala reference:

1. Article 25(2)(a) empowers the state to make laws for regulating secular activities associated with religious practice.

2. Article 26(b) gives religious denominations an absolute right to manage their affairs, without any possibility of state restriction.

3. Article 25(2)(b) allows the state to make laws for social welfare and reform, including throwing open Hindu religious institutions to all classes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

How many judges constitute the Supreme Court bench hearing the Sabarimala reference on temple control, as mentioned in the article?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What was a key argument presented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, regarding temple priest appointments?

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