New Delhi, April 16 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday underscored the delicate balance between judicial restraint and constitutional duty in matters of faith, observing that while courts cannot "hollow out religion" in the name of social reforms, there may be situations where "constitutional dharma" would necessitate intervention.

The remarks came during the fourth day of hearings before a nine-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in the Sabarimala reference, as the court grappled with the limits of judicial review over religious practices and denominational rights. The bench also includes justices BV Nagarathna, MM Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, AG Masih, R Mahadevan, Prasanna B Varale and Joymalya Bagchi...