SC to review Sabari verdict in January

While the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, on Tuesday refused to stay its verdict allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple, it agreed to hear in open court on January 22 a batch of review petitions in the matter. The judgement came days before the beginning of the main pilgrim season.

Law minister A. K. Balan said, “The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the Sabarimala review and writ petitions in the open court on January 22 is appropriate. Status quo can be maintained so that the Mandala Makaravilakku season will be peaceful.” Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru Tuesday welcomed the decision. He said, “It is a big victory for Ayyappa. Today’s outcome was due to the blessings of Lord Ayyappa and the prayers of devotees”.

The Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday said that it will move a petition in the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement an order on allowing women entry into the Sabarimala temple. The board’s decision came after activist Trupti Desai and her team were barred by protesters from leaving the Kochi airport. Desai had intended to enter the temple.

Meanwhile the high court registered a suo motu case in connection with the violence at Sabarimala that occurred when the temple was opened for the Chithira Aattadivasam. The court has sent notices to the state government and the devaswom board and posted the case for further hearing to next Monday. The 41-day mandalam festival will conclude on December 27.