Major SC verdicts expected in 19 days, including Aadhaar, Ayodhya
Chief Justice Dipak Misra is at the fag end of his term, and thus, the next 19 days are set to see a slew of Supreme Court verdicts in major cases. Verdicts are likely to be given on the validity of Aadhaar, the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case, restrictions on entry of menstruating women to the Sabarimala temple, and other significant issues. Here's more.
The long-awaited verdict on Aadhaar can be expected soon
The most awaited judgement among all the cases is perhaps the ruling on the constitutional validity of Aadhaar. Petitioners had challenged the constitutional validity of the biometric-based ID system that was made mandatory by the NDA government, and a marathon 38-day hearing has already taken place. On May 10, the Supreme Court had reserved its judgement. However, a verdict can be expected now.
A key ruling on the Ayodhya issue is expected
The SC is also expected to deliver its verdict on whether a mosque is integral to Islam. This is particularly important as this verdict would form the basis on which the apex court gives its ruling on the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute. The SC had reserved its judgement on July 20, to reconsider the importance of mosques in Islam.
Sabarimala temple entry restriction case should see a judgement too
A bench led by Misra is also expected to give its verdict on whether barring women aged 10-50 years from entering the Sabarimala temple violates Constitutional values. Although the Supreme Court had reserved its judgement on the issue, it had earlier observed that the 800-year-old practice at the temple stemmed "patriarchal" values in society, and was discriminatory in nature.
Other major cases in which verdicts are expected
Other significant issues in which verdicts are expected include an antiquated penal law against adultery, which many hold is "discriminatory" in nature. Additionally, the SC should also give its verdict on a plea by the NDA government to review a 2006 judgement that restricts reservations for SCs/STs in government job promotions. All said and done, the next 20 days are going to be power-packed.
