India, April 7 -- A nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing petitions related to alleged discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, while also examining the broader scope of religious freedom under the Constitution.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising eight other judges, is dealing with key constitutional questions arising from the Sabarimala case and similar issues across religions.

Ahead of the hearing, the Centre submitted its written arguments, urging the court to uphold restrictions on the entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple. It argued that the matter falls within the domain of religious faith and denominat...