The nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Monday held that questions of law can be referred to a larger review bench. The nine-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde, passed the verdict on more than 50 review petitions challenging the top court's earlier judgment on the Sabarimala issue. The apex court also framed seven issues to be heard by the nine-judge bench on matters relating to freedom of religion under Constitution and faith.

The bench had reserved its order on February 6 after hearing the arguments on the issue of whether the top court can refer questions of law and what can be the composition of the law on the issue of the review petitions pending before it. "We will pronounce the order on Monday," the court had said after hearing arguments from all the respective parties.