Sabarimala

Protesters thwarted some attempts by women in the taboo age group to enter the shrine until two women, Bindu Ammini and Kanakagurga, i n their 40s, escorted by the police, became the first to do so on January 2.

BJP chief Amit Shah expressed solidarity with the protesters and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the state administration over what he called the “most shameful behaviour by any party and government”.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and comprising justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, reserved its judgment after hearing submissions by the state government, TDB, the Nair Service Society — a forum of the influential Nair community that opposes the entry of women — and others. It was hearing 65 petitions, i ncluding 54 review pleas.

TDB earlier appeared reluctant to go against the sentiments of a large section of devotees and implement the verdict, which has been hailed as historic and progressive for gender justice. To be sure, the board comprises nominees of the Kerala government, which says it will ensure police protection for women who want to visit the temple nestled in the Western Ghats.

Asked if the board’s changed stance was out of pressure exerted by the state government, TDB president A Padmakumar told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram: “The board’s decision was not on the basis of the government stand. We were asked if the board accepts the September 28 decision of the court and we said we accept it, which is natural. There should be no discrimination to anyone i n offering prayers, that is the stand we have taken.”

The Pandalam royal family, the custodian of the Sabarimala temple’s jewellery, slammed the