In a fresh turn of events for conservatives opposing entry of women in Sabarimala shrine, a bench in the Supreme Court today questioned why women cannot be granted entry rights to the shrine of ‘Ayyappa’.
Underscoring the right to equality that is cosseted in the constitution of India, the court observed that entry rights cannot be denied to women.
“The temple cannot prohibit entry (women), except on the basis of religion. Unless you have a constitutional right, you cannot prohibit entry. Anyway, we will examine it on February 8,” said the bench constituted of Dipak Misra and N V Ramana.
Furthermore, the court asked the government if it was sure that women have not entered in the temple during last 1500 years.
The observation by the apex court came in the wake of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a social activist forum – Young Women Association which has sought entry rights for women in Sabarimala.
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Conservatives currently argue that Sabarimala and sanctum sanctorum of the deity would become impure if menstruating women enter. Currently, only women above the age of 50 and girls below the age of 10 are allowed to enter the shrine.
