The Supreme Court of India today heard submissions in a case related to the Sabarimala temple and the ex-communication of women in the Dawoodi Bohra community, with Justice BV Nagarathna observing that India's strength lies in its diversity and plurality. The court is considering the impact of its decision on the entire Indian civilization, with Justice Nagarathna noting that the relationship between humans and religion is deeply intimate and a constant in Indian society.

The court heard submissions by senior lawyer Ramachandran, who argued that India is a civilization under a Constitution and that anything that goes against the Constitution should not be allowed to continue. Ramachandran also pointed out that the practice of ex-communication leads to break-up of marriages, loss of employment, and social ostracism, effectively taking away an individual's right to freedom of religion.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified that the nine-judge bench is not dealing with individual controversies of ex-communication practice among Parsis and Dawoodi Bohra communities or that of female genital mutilation, but is instead answering constitutional questions on the interplay between Article 25 and 26 and how far courts can adjudicate upon such issues.

The court will continue to hear the case, with the next steps expected to involve further submissions and deliberations on the constitutional implications of the case. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for the rights of individuals and communities in India.