All Views Welcome, Except From WhatsApp University: SC Rejects Unverified Claims In Religious Rights Case

The Supreme Court of India on April 23, 2026, said it would not rely on unverified material sourced from what it described as “WhatsApp University” while hearing a batch of petitions concerning alleged discrimination against women in religious places.

A nine-judge Constitution bench, which is examining the scope of religious freedom and its interplay with fundamental rights, observed that while it is open to considering diverse viewpoints, such views must be supported by credible material rather than informal or unverified sources.

During the hearing, the bench underscored that inputs from “eminent authors and thinkers” may be considered. Still, reliance on information circulating on social media platforms without verification would not be permissible in judicial adjudication.

The court is currently dealing with a series of petitions that raise constitutional questions on the exclusion of women from certain religious practices, including entry into temples such as Sabarimala Temple.

The matter involves the interpretation of Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which guarantee religious freedom and are subject to other fundamental rights.

The proceedings form part of a broader judicial exercise to determine the extent to which courts can review religious practices and whether such practices can be tested on grounds of equality, dignity and non-discrimination.

The bench has been hearing arguments from multiple parties, including petitioners challenging exclusionary practices and respondents defending them as essential religious customs.

The outcome of the case is expected to have wider implications for similar practices across religions in India.

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