DEVASWOM BOARD IN U- TURN, ALLOWS ENTRY OF ALL WOMEN

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which earlier had strongly opposed any interference with religious rights, changed its stand following the appointment of new Chairman for the Board.

The Board said it would implement the Supreme Court judgment allowing entry of women of all ages.

Senior counsel Jaideep Gupta, appearing for the Kerala government, said essential practice of an individual temple cannot be regarded as essential practice of a religion. Exclusion of women was not essential to Hindu religion, submitted the counsel. He said social tension or disturbance of peace cannot be a ground to overturn the judgment and Kerala is committed to implement it.

When Justice Indu Malhotra asked senior counsel Rakesh Diwedi whether there is any change of stand by the Board, Mr Diwedi said the Board has taken a decision to respect the judgement and follow it. The Sabarimala temple is set to reopen for the month of Kumbham on Tuesday. The temple will be open from February 12 to 17 for the puja. Restrictions have been imposed and will be in place from Nilakkal to Sannidhanam.