SC to hear review petitions today
The Supreme Court is on Tuesday expected to hear petitioners who have challenged its order allowing women of all ages to pray at Sabarimala temple in Kerala, where traditionalists have launched a strong protest in support of a centuries-old tradition banning the entry of female devotees between 10 and 50 years.
Four days before the shrine opens for a three-month annual pilgrimage, the court will take up over 45 petitions and applications arguing that faith cannot be judged by scientific or rational reasoning. Protesters claim women of menstruating ages are not allowed to enter the temple nestled in the Western Ghats because the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa, is considered celibate.
“The government has an open mind. We will call an all-party meet to discuss the Sabarimala issue. We will decide the date and other details after the Supreme Court decision on review pleas,” Kerala temple affairs minister Kadakampally Surendran said on Monday.
The Left government led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reiterated that the administration is committed to implementing the court’s September 28 order, but blamed political opponents for politicising the issue.
Both the BJP and the Congress have criticised the government’s handling of the situation.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: