During the proceedings, Justice Ahsaanuddin Amanullah strongly criticised the practice, stating that the term “mutilation” itself establishes that it serves no legitimate purpose. He remarked that the act amounts to a distortion of human anatomy and described it as “pure and pure aberration to a normal physical anatomy.”
The observations came during an important constitutional hearing examining issues related to religious freedom, gender equality, and the rights of women under the Constitution of India. The petitions before the court include challenges concerning discrimination against women at religious places and questions surrounding the extent of protection granted to religious practices.
Justice B V Nagarathna, while addressing the Dawoodi Bohra matter, underlined India’s civilisational identity and the deep connection between religion and society. She stated that India remains a civilisation despite its vast pluralities and diversities, adding that diversity continues to be one of the nation’s greatest strengths.
Justice Nagarathna observed that although India functions as a sovereign democratic republic, one constant feature within Indian society is the relationship between human beings and religion. She said the court is grappling with complex constitutional questions regarding how and where religious practices can be challenged, whether reform should emerge from within a religious denomination, whether the state should intervene, or whether the judiciary should adjudicate such matters.
She further stated that the court must remain conscious of India’s civilisational character while delivering judgments that may shape the nation’s future social and constitutional framework. According to her observations, India must continue progressing economically and socially without breaking the constant cultural and religious fabric embedded within society.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing multiple pleas concerning discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple issue, alongside broader constitutional questions linked to religious freedom and equality rights.
The nine-judge Constitution bench hearing the matter is headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The bench also includes Justices B V Nagarathna, M M Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan, and Joymalya Bagchi.
The proceedings are being closely watched across the country as the court’s eventual ruling could have far-reaching implications on the balance between religious freedom, constitutional morality, women’s rights, and social reform in India.
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