Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has reportedly been denied entry into her in-law's house and has now taken shelter in a government shelter home.&nbsp;

According to media reports, Durga, who was being treated at Calicut medical hospital after she was allegedly beaten up by her mother-in-law for defying the Sabarimala temple ban, was not allowed into her husband's house on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Kanaka Durga was forced to take shelter at a One Stop centre here after she found that her house was locked and her family members had shifted to another building, the local police said.

A police official said Durga filed a petition in a court in Perinthalmanna under the Domestic Violence Act, stating she had the right to stay at her husband's home, news agency PTI reported.

Police sources said Durga went to her husband's house when she was discharged from the Kozhikode medical college, where she was treated after allegedly being assaulted by her mother-in-law for entering the temple. When she reached there, she found the house locked, the sources said.

Her husband and other relatives had shifted to a rented building, the police said, adding Kanakadurga then took refugee at the One Stop Centre, PTI reported.&nbsp;

On January 15, it was reported that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanaka-durga-one-of-the-women-who-entered-sabarimala-temple-allegedly-thrashed-by-mother-in-law-190500">Durga, a civil servant</a>, suffered injuries to her head and was hospitalised after being beaten up by her mother-in-law.&nbsp;

Durga claimed she was attacked only minutes after she returned home. She had before that spent a month at undisclosed locations fearing attacks by groups who support Sabarimala temple ban, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Durga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras.

The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has reportedly been denied entry into her in-law's house and has now taken shelter in a government shelter home.

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has reportedly been denied entry into her in-law's house and has now taken shelter in a government shelter home. According to media reports, Durga, who was being treated at Calicut medical hospital after she was allegedly beaten up by her mother-in-law for defying the Sabarimala temple ban, was not allowed into her husband's house on Tuesday. Kanaka Durga was forced to take shelter at a One Stop centre here after she found that her house was locked and her family members had shifted to another building, the local police said. A police official said Durga filed a petition in a court in Perinthalmanna under the Domestic Violence Act, stating she had the right to stay at her husband's home, news agency PTI reported. Police sources said Durga went to her husband's house when she was discharged from the Kozhikode medical college, where she was treated after allegedly being assaulted by her mother-in-law for entering the temple. When she reached there, she found the house locked, the sources said. Her husband and other relatives had shifted to a rented building, the police said, adding Kanakadurga then took refugee at the One Stop Centre, PTI reported. On January 15, it was reported that Durga, a civil servant, suffered injuries to her head and was hospitalised after being beaten up by her mother-in-law. Durga claimed she was attacked only minutes after she returned home. She had before that spent a month at undisclosed locations fearing attacks by groups who support Sabarimala temple ban, news agency Reuters reported. Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Durga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras. The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims. According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

Woman who entered Sabarimala barred from home, is now living in govt shelter

Two women of menstrual age who reached Nilakkal base camp on Saturday to trek to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-kerala-govt-says-51-women-have-entered-sabarimala-temple-191271">Sabarimala temple</a> were forced to return after police warned them about protesters gathered in Pamba.

These two women, Reshma and Shalina, had tried to visit Sabarimala earlier in the month as well but failed to enter the temple. This time, the women were accompanied by a team of six men but had to return owing to possible protests.

The Sabarimala Temple and surrounding areas witnessed agitation after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age inside the temple in September this year.

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The Kerala government told the Supreme Court on Friday that 51 women between 10 and 50 years of age have entered the Sabarimala Temple following the September 2018 verdict of the top court.

"Over 16 lakh devotees have done the online registration for 'darshan' in the Sabarimala temple and out of these 8.2 lakhs have visited the shrine. A total of 7564 women between the age of 10 and 50 have registered for darshan, and as per the digitally scanned records around 51 women in this group have already visited the shrine and had darshan, without any issue. This doesn't include many others who have come as normal pilgrims and not availed the online facility. A total number of 44 lakh pilgrims visited the temple from November 16, 2018, till date," a note of Kerala Police chief stated.

These two women, Reshma and Shalina, had tried to visit Sabarimala earlier in the month as well but failed to enter the temple.

Two women of menstrual age who reached Nilakkal base camp on Saturday to trek to Sabarimala temple were forced to return after police warned them about protesters gathered in Pamba. These two women, Reshma and Shalina, had tried to visit Sabarimala earlier in the month as well but failed to enter the temple. This time, the women were accompanied by a team of six men but had to return owing to possible protests. The Sabarimala Temple and surrounding areas witnessed agitation after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age inside the temple in September this year. #Kerala: Two women who reached Nilakkal base camp today to trek to #SabarimalaTemple, returned after police warned them about the protesters gathered in Pamba. — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × The Kerala government told the Supreme Court on Friday that 51 women between 10 and 50 years of age have entered the Sabarimala Temple following the September 2018 verdict of the top court. "Over 16 lakh devotees have done the online registration for 'darshan' in the Sabarimala temple and out of these 8.2 lakhs have visited the shrine. A total of 7564 women between the age of 10 and 50 have registered for darshan, and as per the digitally scanned records around 51 women in this group have already visited the shrine and had darshan, without any issue. This doesn't include many others who have come as normal pilgrims and not availed the online facility. A total number of 44 lakh pilgrims visited the temple from November 16, 2018, till date," a note of Kerala Police chief stated.

Sabarimala: Two women make second attempt to enter temple, forced to return

The Supreme Court directed the Kerala Police on Friday to provide round-the-clock security to two women who had entered the Sabarimala temple.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices L N Rao and Dinesh Maheshwari said it was only going into the aspect of the security of the two women and would not like to entertain any other prayer made in the petition.

The bench also refused to tag the matter along with the pending petitions in the Sabarimala case.

It was hearing the petitions of 42-year-old Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga, 44, a civil supplies department employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, who had entered the Sabarimala shrine on January 2.

"We deem it appropriate to entertain this writ petition by directing the Kerala Police to provide adequate security round the clock to petitioner number 1 (Bindu) and petitioner 2 (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanaka-durga-one-of-the-women-who-entered-sabarimala-temple-allegedly-thrashed-by-mother-in-law-190500">Kanakdurga</a>). Beyond that we don't want to go into any of the issues mentioned in the petition," the bench said.

Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for the Kerala government, said it was already providing adequate security to these women and other devotees who have entered the Sabarimala temple. He said till now 51 female devotees have entered the shrine.

Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara appearing for some petitioners, who have filed a review plea challenging the decision of the top court to allow women of all ages to enter the temple, said that none of the female devotees has entered the Sabarimala shrine.

The bench, however, refused to go into all these issues and said that if the Kerala government was already providing security to the female devotees without the court's order then there is no harm if the government continues providing adequate security even after the court's order.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the women petitioners, said the court should direct tagging of the petitions with the pending matters on the Sabarimala temple issue.

To this, the bench said the prayer for tagging is rejected.

Earlier this month, the two women had stepped into the hallowed precincts guarded by the police, more than three months after the apex court's historic judgment lifting the ban on the entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, its "eternally celibate" deity.

Following the entry of the women into the shrine, the chief priest had decided to close the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to perform the 'purification' ceremony.

The plea had sought round-the-clock security to both the women due to a threat to their life for entering into the hilltop shrine as one of the women was assaulted by her mother-in-law.

The plea had sought directions declaring all authorities not to conduct the rite of purification or to shut the temple on account of any woman of the age of 10-50 having entered the temple.

It had said that the purification ritual is representative of a cleansing ceremony, signifying the petitioners were impure, which is violative of their dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The petition also sought directions declaring that any form of prevention of women aged between 10 and 50 years from visiting the hilltop shrine is contrary to the September 28, 2018 judgment of the apex court.

On September 28 last year, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict paved the way the for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

The top court has said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict from January 22 as one of the judges was on medical leave.

Earlier, the apex court had decided to hear in open court the review petitions against the verdict. Besides Justice Indu Malhotra and the CJI, justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud are part of the five-judge constitution bench.

Justice Malhotra had delivered the dissenting judgment in the case.

There are around 48 petitions seeking review of the judgment and they were filed following violent protests in favour and against the verdict. PTI MNL&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court directed the Kerala Police on Friday to provide round-the-clock security to two women who had entered the Sabarimala temple. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices L N Rao and Dinesh Maheshwari said it was only going into the aspect of the security of the two women and would not like to entertain any other prayer made in the petition.

The Supreme Court directed the Kerala Police on Friday to provide round-the-clock security to two women who had entered the Sabarimala temple. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices L N Rao and Dinesh Maheshwari said it was only going into the aspect of the security of the two women and would not like to entertain any other prayer made in the petition. The bench also refused to tag the matter along with the pending petitions in the Sabarimala case. It was hearing the petitions of 42-year-old Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga, 44, a civil supplies department employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, who had entered the Sabarimala shrine on January 2. "We deem it appropriate to entertain this writ petition by directing the Kerala Police to provide adequate security round the clock to petitioner number 1 (Bindu) and petitioner 2 (Kanakdurga). Beyond that we don't want to go into any of the issues mentioned in the petition," the bench said. Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for the Kerala government, said it was already providing adequate security to these women and other devotees who have entered the Sabarimala temple. He said till now 51 female devotees have entered the shrine. Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara appearing for some petitioners, who have filed a review plea challenging the decision of the top court to allow women of all ages to enter the temple, said that none of the female devotees has entered the Sabarimala shrine. The bench, however, refused to go into all these issues and said that if the Kerala government was already providing security to the female devotees without the court's order then there is no harm if the government continues providing adequate security even after the court's order. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the women petitioners, said the court should direct tagging of the petitions with the pending matters on the Sabarimala temple issue. To this, the bench said the prayer for tagging is rejected. Earlier this month, the two women had stepped into the hallowed precincts guarded by the police, more than three months after the apex court's historic judgment lifting the ban on the entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, its "eternally celibate" deity. Following the entry of the women into the shrine, the chief priest had decided to close the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to perform the 'purification' ceremony. The plea had sought round-the-clock security to both the women due to a threat to their life for entering into the hilltop shrine as one of the women was assaulted by her mother-in-law. The plea had sought directions declaring all authorities not to conduct the rite of purification or to shut the temple on account of any woman of the age of 10-50 having entered the temple. It had said that the purification ritual is representative of a cleansing ceremony, signifying the petitioners were impure, which is violative of their dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The petition also sought directions declaring that any form of prevention of women aged between 10 and 50 years from visiting the hilltop shrine is contrary to the September 28, 2018 judgment of the apex court. On September 28 last year, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict paved the way the for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination. The top court has said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict from January 22 as one of the judges was on medical leave. Earlier, the apex court had decided to hear in open court the review petitions against the verdict. Besides Justice Indu Malhotra and the CJI, justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud are part of the five-judge constitution bench. Justice Malhotra had delivered the dissenting judgment in the case. There are around 48 petitions seeking review of the judgment and they were filed following violent protests in favour and against the verdict. PTI MNL

Give round-the-clock security to 2 women who entered Sabarimala: Supreme Court to Kerala police

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-kerala-cm-confirms-entry-of-2-women-tdp-board-denies-temple-shut-for-purification-187821">who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month</a>, has alleged that she was thrashed by her mother-in-law for defying the ban. &nbsp;

Durga, 39, a civil servant, suffered injuries to her head and had to be hospitalised, police said.

She claims she was attacked only minutes after she returned home. She had before that spent a month at undisclosed locations fearing attacks by conservative Hindu groups, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

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Kerala: Kanaka Durga, who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has complained to Perinthalmanna police alleging that she has been thrashed by her mother-in-law. Case has been registered.
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"We received a complaint from Kanaka Durga alleging that she was attacked by family members of her husband when she returned home after entering the temple," said Jaya Mani, the officer in charge of Perinthalmanna police station in Malappuram district.

Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Durga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras.

The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

The incident was confirmed by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Speaking to media CM Vijayan said, "Today, two women entered Sabarimala temple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple."

(With inputs from agencies)

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has alleged that she was thrashed by her mother-in-law for defying the ban.

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has alleged that she was thrashed by her mother-in-law for defying the ban. Durga, 39, a civil servant, suffered injuries to her head and had to be hospitalised, police said. She claims she was attacked only minutes after she returned home. She had before that spent a month at undisclosed locations fearing attacks by conservative Hindu groups, news agency Reuters reported. Kerala: Kanaka Durga, who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has complained to Perinthalmanna police alleging that she has been thrashed by her mother-in-law. Case has been registered. — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × "We received a complaint from Kanaka Durga alleging that she was attacked by family members of her husband when she returned home after entering the temple," said Jaya Mani, the officer in charge of Perinthalmanna police station in Malappuram district. Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Durga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras. The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims. According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am. The incident was confirmed by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Speaking to media CM Vijayan said, "Today, two women entered Sabarimala temple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple." (With inputs from agencies)

One of 2 women who entered Sabarimala temple allegedly thrashed by mother-in-law, hospitalised

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that the conduct of the Kerala government in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanaka-durga-one-of-the-women-who-entered-sabarimala-temple-allegedly-thrashed-by-mother-in-law-190500">the Sabarimala issue</a> will go down as one of the "most shameful" in history. Modi was speaking in Kollam, Kerala.&nbsp;

"The conduct of Kerala LDF government on Sabarimala issue will go down in history as one of the most shameful behaviour by any party and government. We knew that communists do not respect Indian history, culture and spirituality but nobody imagined that they will have such hatred," Modi said.&nbsp;

Modi added that the Congress was "no better".&nbsp;

"UDF is no better. Congress has multiple stands — they say one thing in Parliament but a different thing in Pathanamthitta," he said.&nbsp;

"Our stand on this issue has always been clear. And, the actions of our party match our words," he added.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court decreed in September 2018 that women should be allowed to visit Kerala's Sabarimala temple. The temple had until then been off-limits to women between the ages of 10 and 50.&nbsp;

The reason for the ban is that it is believed that the temple deity, Lord Ayappa, has vowed to stay celibate. And that he will look at a woman only when he is ready to marry her.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court decree was met by massive resistance, with both the BJP and Congress mobilising people against it.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan on the other hand has said repeatedly that the Supreme Court order has to be enforced.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Modi said the Left and Congress work against gender and social justice.&nbsp;

"Left and Congress make tall claims about respect to gender justice and social justice but their actions are exactly the opposite. NDA Government has been working towards abolishing Triple Talaq," Modi said.&nbsp;

"Who is opposing us on this?" he asked. "Communists and the Congress," he answered.&nbsp;

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PM in Kollam, Kerala: UDF and LDF are different in name but in neglecting Kerala's yuva shakti, they are same. UDF and LDF are different in name but in ignoring the poor, they are same. UDF and LDF are different in name but in cheating the people of Kerala, they are same. <a href="https://t.co/bbNuse17uV">pic.twitter.com/bbNuse17uV</a>
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PM Modi in Kerala: UDF &amp; LDF are two sides of the same old coin. Different in name, but in corruption, casteism &amp; communalism, they are same. Different in name, but in damaging Kerala's cultural fabric, they are same. Different in name, but in political violence, they are same. <a href="https://t.co/rAbyxgb3UW">https://t.co/rAbyxgb3UW</a>
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Modi on Tuesday also referred to his government's recent 10% quota for the upper castes saying his government believed every Indian, irrespective of caste, deserved "equal opportunity".&nbsp;

And he mentioned India's upward movement in the ease of doing business rankings.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Kollam, Kerala: 4 years back, did anyone even think of improving Ease of Doing Business rankings? In fact, this term was missing from the dictionary of policymakers. In 4 years, we have moved up from rank 142 to rank 77, one of the fastest improvements in the world. <a href="https://t.co/VlHfXxAp8h">pic.twitter.com/VlHfXxAp8h</a>
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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that the conduct of the Kerala government in the Sabarimala issue will go down as one of the "most shameful" in history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that the conduct of the Kerala government in the Sabarimala issue will go down as one of the "most shameful" in history. Modi was speaking in Kollam, Kerala. "The conduct of Kerala LDF government on Sabarimala issue will go down in history as one of the most shameful behaviour by any party and government. We knew that communists do not respect Indian history, culture and spirituality but nobody imagined that they will have such hatred," Modi said. Modi added that the Congress was "no better". "UDF is no better. Congress has multiple stands — they say one thing in Parliament but a different thing in Pathanamthitta," he said. "Our stand on this issue has always been clear. And, the actions of our party match our words," he added. The Supreme Court decreed in September 2018 that women should be allowed to visit Kerala's Sabarimala temple. The temple had until then been off-limits to women between the ages of 10 and 50. The reason for the ban is that it is believed that the temple deity, Lord Ayappa, has vowed to stay celibate. And that he will look at a woman only when he is ready to marry her. The Supreme Court decree was met by massive resistance, with both the BJP and Congress mobilising people against it. Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan on the other hand has said repeatedly that the Supreme Court order has to be enforced. On Tuesday, Modi said the Left and Congress work against gender and social justice. "Left and Congress make tall claims about respect to gender justice and social justice but their actions are exactly the opposite. NDA Government has been working towards abolishing Triple Talaq," Modi said. "Who is opposing us on this?" he asked. "Communists and the Congress," he answered. PM in Kollam, Kerala: UDF and LDF are different in name but in neglecting Kerala's yuva shakti, they are same. UDF and LDF are different in name but in ignoring the poor, they are same. UDF and LDF are different in name but in cheating the people of Kerala, they are same. pic.twitter.com/bbNuse17uV — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × PM Modi in Kerala: UDF & LDF are two sides of the same old coin. Different in name, but in corruption, casteism & communalism, they are same. Different in name, but in damaging Kerala's cultural fabric, they are same. Different in name, but in political violence, they are same. https://t.co/rAbyxgb3UW — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × Modi on Tuesday also referred to his government's recent 10% quota for the upper castes saying his government believed every Indian, irrespective of caste, deserved "equal opportunity". And he mentioned India's upward movement in the ease of doing business rankings. PM Narendra Modi in Kollam, Kerala: 4 years back did anyone think that India could be the fastest growing economy? In 4 years, we have made the transition from being one of the fragile five nations to the fastest growing economy. pic.twitter.com/MxAktXE7s0 — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × PM Modi in Kollam, Kerala: 4 years back, did anyone even think of improving Ease of Doing Business rankings? In fact, this term was missing from the dictionary of policymakers. In 4 years, we have moved up from rank 142 to rank 77, one of the fastest improvements in the world. pic.twitter.com/VlHfXxAp8h — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 ×

Conduct of Kerala govt on Sabarimala issue will go down in history as 'most shameful': Modi

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He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/referendum-not-a-good-way-to-decide-on-brexit-spain-foreign-minister-to-wion-189392">Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION</a>

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seek-assurance-from-india-on-currency-notes-of-higher-denomination-nepal-foreign-minister-to-wion-189396">Seek assurance from India on currency notes of higher denomination: Nepal foreign minister to WION</a>

Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is in India, spoke to WION's Siddhant Sibal on the ban on Indian currency notes and a host of other issues. He also called for reactivation of the Southeast Association of Regional Cooperation or Saarc.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/no-indian-content-to-be-aired-in-the-country-as-it-damages-our-culture-says-pak-chief-justice-189398">No Indian content to be aired in the country as it 'damages our culture', says Pak Chief Justice</a>

The Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar has said that the country's Supreme Court will not allow Indian shows to be aired on Pakistani TV channels. The court has stated that the shows damage the country's culture.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ranveer-singh-vicky-kaushal-alia-bhatt-and-others-feature-in-selfie-of-the-year-with-pm-modi-189416">Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt and others feature in selfie of the year with PM Modi</a>

The meeting was facilitated by Karan Johar and had leading Bollywood stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in attendance. Ekta Kapoor, directors Rohit Shetty and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari were also part of the delegation.

No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern.

No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern." Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism. Seek assurance from India on currency notes of higher denomination: Nepal foreign minister to WION Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is in India, spoke to WION's Siddhant Sibal on the ban on Indian currency notes and a host of other issues. He also called for reactivation of the Southeast Association of Regional Cooperation or Saarc. No Indian content to be aired in the country as it 'damages our culture', says Pak Chief Justice The Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar has said that the country's Supreme Court will not allow Indian shows to be aired on Pakistani TV channels. The court has stated that the shows damage the country's culture. Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt and others feature in selfie of the year with PM Modi The meeting was facilitated by Karan Johar and had leading Bollywood stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in attendance. Ekta Kapoor, directors Rohit Shetty and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari were also part of the delegation.

News brief: Big stories of the day

On the face of it, two recent Supreme Court judgements of significance have gone opposite ways for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi certainly gave something that looked like a clean chit for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party when he observed that he found nothing amiss in the confidential details of the pricing of the Rafale fighter jet contract with France's Dassault group, much to the dismay of opposition parties.&nbsp;

In the same court, Justice Dhananjaya Chandrachud seemed to strike a blow to conservative Hindu lobbies that support the BJP when he and his fellow judges ruled that women of reproductive age should no longer be barred from entering the holy shrine to Lord Ayyappan at Sabarimala in Kerala.

However, after seeing violent protests in Kerala last week following the surreptitious entry of some activist women into the Sabarimala temple, I am tempted to think that both the Supreme Court judgements are blessings for the BJP. Here's why.

The Rafale ruling - I hesitate to call it a judgement - took the winds off the sails of the Congress-led opposition in what I would call the urban middle-class constituency. For any party to govern, it is not just enough to win elections. It is also important to get a measure of legitimacy in the urban middle class because it serves as a centre from which thoughts emanate and go back. This is the same social class that produces civil servants, media persons and jurists.

I do believe Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress lost the 1989 elections because he alienated the urban middle class as the BJP and other parties including the Janata Dal led by former Congress finance minister VP Singh successfully drove home the image that the party was lax on corruption and could even be a party to it.

As Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman thundered last week in Parliament in a spirited defence of the Rafale deal, the backing she got from the Supreme Court was such that at the very least, the furore against the BJP's decision to cut down the number of jets and pay a higher price for each in order to fit them with advanced combat capabilities was blunted.

Cut now to Sabarimala in Kerala. You need to look no further than Shashi Tharoor, a poster boy for Westernised, modern urban liberals. Tharoor's position on the temple tilts to the centre at the very least as he cluck-clucks in sympathy with those who want a traditional form of worship that barred women of reproductive age from entering the shrine upheld. The reasons he cited are based on faith, not the kind of egalitarianism that he otherwise espouses. The former UN under-secretary-general is now a grassroots politician for the Congress in Thiruvananthapuram and also recently authored a book, 'Why I Am A Hindu'.

It is clear to me, as it is to him and many Congress leaders, that it is important to stress that they are not anti-Hindu. The BJP has successfully built a narrative of Hinduism being challenged both politically and judicially. Whether its critics like it or not, both Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu have entered the era of what I call post-poverty politics. Cultural issues are increasingly important. The Sabarimala shrine is also popular among Tamilians, &nbsp;thousands of whom make the annual pilgrimage to the mountain temple of Lord Ayyappan across the border. I do believe both Kerala and Tamil Nadu now have a larger Hindutva constituency and the BJP is a political gainer from the Sabarimala protests. In that sense, the Supreme Court verdict is a left-handed (no pun intended) compliment to the BJP's ideological moorings.

The BJP has had no significant presence in either Tamil Nadu or Kerala and has a long way to go in both states. However, the rise of Hindu customs and beliefs has been steady in Tamil Nadu, slowly eclipsing the rationalist, atheist Dravida ideology championed by 'Periyar' EV Ramaswamy Naicker, whose Dravida Kazhagam gave rise to the DMK and the AIADMK.

AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa wore her Hindu beliefs on her sleeves as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister. Tamil Nadu is gossiping about the recent visit to Varanasi by Durga Stalin, the wife of MK Stalin, the president of the DMK. Stalin has been named after one of the world's biggest communist icons. Interesting, isn't it?

At another level, the BJP is more or less in bed with a number of AIADMK functionaries or groups. We have to watch that space as general elections draw near. My guess is that the BJP has found itself a beachhead in Tamil Nadu, something it could barely dream of two decades ago.

Interestingly, the last word is not yet out on both the Supreme Court rulings as both cases have review petitions pending before the highest court of the land. For all we know, there could be twists in the tale. But I do believe the advantage now rests with the BJP. There is a delicious irony in this because Modi's party appears to be gaining in the south, where it was once considered non-existent, while its position is not as secure in the north as it was thought to be. But then, that is another story.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/supreme-court-verdicts-on-sabarimala-and-rafale-are-blessings-for-bjps-political-agenda-2169283.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

On the face of it, two recent Supreme Court judgements of significance have gone opposite ways for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi certainly gave something that looked like a clean chit for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party when he observed that he found nothing amiss in the confidential details of the pricing of the Rafale fighter jet contract with France's Dassault group, much to the dismay of opposition parties.

On the face of it, two recent Supreme Court judgements of significance have gone opposite ways for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi certainly gave something that looked like a clean chit for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party when he observed that he found nothing amiss in the confidential details of the pricing of the Rafale fighter jet contract with France's Dassault group, much to the dismay of opposition parties. In the same court, Justice Dhananjaya Chandrachud seemed to strike a blow to conservative Hindu lobbies that support the BJP when he and his fellow judges ruled that women of reproductive age should no longer be barred from entering the holy shrine to Lord Ayyappan at Sabarimala in Kerala. However, after seeing violent protests in Kerala last week following the surreptitious entry of some activist women into the Sabarimala temple, I am tempted to think that both the Supreme Court judgements are blessings for the BJP. Here's why. The Rafale ruling - I hesitate to call it a judgement - took the winds off the sails of the Congress-led opposition in what I would call the urban middle-class constituency. For any party to govern, it is not just enough to win elections. It is also important to get a measure of legitimacy in the urban middle class because it serves as a centre from which thoughts emanate and go back. This is the same social class that produces civil servants, media persons and jurists. I do believe Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress lost the 1989 elections because he alienated the urban middle class as the BJP and other parties including the Janata Dal led by former Congress finance minister VP Singh successfully drove home the image that the party was lax on corruption and could even be a party to it. As Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman thundered last week in Parliament in a spirited defence of the Rafale deal, the backing she got from the Supreme Court was such that at the very least, the furore against the BJP's decision to cut down the number of jets and pay a higher price for each in order to fit them with advanced combat capabilities was blunted. Cut now to Sabarimala in Kerala. You need to look no further than Shashi Tharoor, a poster boy for Westernised, modern urban liberals. Tharoor's position on the temple tilts to the centre at the very least as he cluck-clucks in sympathy with those who want a traditional form of worship that barred women of reproductive age from entering the shrine upheld. The reasons he cited are based on faith, not the kind of egalitarianism that he otherwise espouses. The former UN under-secretary-general is now a grassroots politician for the Congress in Thiruvananthapuram and also recently authored a book, 'Why I Am A Hindu'. It is clear to me, as it is to him and many Congress leaders, that it is important to stress that they are not anti-Hindu. The BJP has successfully built a narrative of Hinduism being challenged both politically and judicially. Whether its critics like it or not, both Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu have entered the era of what I call post-poverty politics. Cultural issues are increasingly important. The Sabarimala shrine is also popular among Tamilians, thousands of whom make the annual pilgrimage to the mountain temple of Lord Ayyappan across the border. I do believe both Kerala and Tamil Nadu now have a larger Hindutva constituency and the BJP is a political gainer from the Sabarimala protests. In that sense, the Supreme Court verdict is a left-handed (no pun intended) compliment to the BJP's ideological moorings. The BJP has had no significant presence in either Tamil Nadu or Kerala and has a long way to go in both states. However, the rise of Hindu customs and beliefs has been steady in Tamil Nadu, slowly eclipsing the rationalist, atheist Dravida ideology championed by 'Periyar' EV Ramaswamy Naicker, whose Dravida Kazhagam gave rise to the DMK and the AIADMK. AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa wore her Hindu beliefs on her sleeves as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister. Tamil Nadu is gossiping about the recent visit to Varanasi by Durga Stalin, the wife of MK Stalin, the president of the DMK. Stalin has been named after one of the world's biggest communist icons. Interesting, isn't it? At another level, the BJP is more or less in bed with a number of AIADMK functionaries or groups. We have to watch that space as general elections draw near. My guess is that the BJP has found itself a beachhead in Tamil Nadu, something it could barely dream of two decades ago. Interestingly, the last word is not yet out on both the Supreme Court rulings as both cases have review petitions pending before the highest court of the land. For all we know, there could be twists in the tale. But I do believe the advantage now rests with the BJP. There is a delicious irony in this because Modi's party appears to be gaining in the south, where it was once considered non-existent, while its position is not as secure in the north as it was thought to be. But then, that is another story. (This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Supreme Court verdicts on Sabarimala and Rafale are blessings for BJP

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-should-be-talks-with-the-taliban-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189220">There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat</a>

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions. Speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, he said talks with Taliban should happen "so long they don't come with a precondition and so long they look at lasting peace in Afghanistan and bring about stability in the country" and this is "in our interest, in region's interest, and it's in Pakistan's interest. We all want stability."

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-others-protest-as-government-moves-constitution-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha-189203">10% quota for poor: Congress, others protest as govt introduces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-others-protest-as-government-moves-constitution-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha-189203">bill</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-others-protest-as-government-moves-constitution-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha-189203"> in Rajya Sabha</a>

The Congress and other opposition parties on Wednesday strongly protested in the Rajya Sabha and demanded the sending of the 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty- Four Amendment) Bill, 2019' to a select committee, after the government introduced the key legislation.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-changed-but-still-much-work-to-do-malala-yousafzai-189223">Pakistan has changed but there's still much work to do: Malala Yousafzai</a>

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai says Pakistan has changed since she left the country nearly six years ago after being attacked by the Taliban and there is more peace but a lot of work is left to be done.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-bandh-2nd-day-violent-protests-rail-blockades-witnessed-in-many-states-189235">Day 2 of Bharat Bandh: Bank attacked in Kerala, stones pelted at school buses in WB</a>

Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/how-hardik-pandya-got-carried-away-comments-that-led-to-storm-and-show-cause-189240">How Hardik Pandya got 'carried away'; the comments that led to a storm and show cause notice</a>

It was meant to be a fun, no-holds-barred interaction but cricketer Hardik Pandya, by his own admission, got "carried away".

Appearing on "Koffee with Karan", hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, with teammate K L Rahul, Pandya's apparent loose talk on women and his sexuality took many by surprise.&nbsp;

Three days after the celebrity chat show aired on Sunday, the two cricketers on Wednesday were issued show cause notices by the BCCI, which took note of the massive outrage on social media and elsewhere. 
&nbsp;

There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions.

There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions. Speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, he said talks with Taliban should happen "so long they don't come with a precondition and so long they look at lasting peace in Afghanistan and bring about stability in the country" and this is "in our interest, in region's interest, and it's in Pakistan's interest. We all want stability." 10% quota for poor: Congress, others protest as govt introduces bill in Rajya Sabha The Congress and other opposition parties on Wednesday strongly protested in the Rajya Sabha and demanded the sending of the 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty- Four Amendment) Bill, 2019' to a select committee, after the government introduced the key legislation. Pakistan has changed but there's still much work to do: Malala Yousafzai Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai says Pakistan has changed since she left the country nearly six years ago after being attacked by the Taliban and there is more peace but a lot of work is left to be done. Day 2 of Bharat Bandh: Bank attacked in Kerala, stones pelted at school buses in WB Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country. How Hardik Pandya got 'carried away'; the comments that led to a storm and show cause notice It was meant to be a fun, no-holds-barred interaction but cricketer Hardik Pandya, by his own admission, got "carried away". Appearing on "Koffee with Karan", hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, with teammate K L Rahul, Pandya's apparent loose talk on women and his sexuality took many by surprise. Three days after the celebrity chat show aired on Sunday, the two cricketers on Wednesday were issued show cause notices by the BCCI, which took note of the massive outrage on social media and elsewhere.

A nun, who published poems, bought a car and took part in a protest against former bishop of Jalandhar diocese in connection with a rape case, has been issued notice by her congregation based in Aluva near here, for leading a life "against principles of religious life".

In its notice, Franciscan Clarist Congregation accused Sister Lucy Kalapura belonging to its St Mary's province, Mananthavady, of leading a life, which was against the "principles of religious life" and the rule of the congregation.

The nun has been asked to offer an explanation to Superior General sister Ann Joseph at Generalate of the Congregation at 11 am Wednesday.

Asked whether Sister Lucy could reach the congregation at 11 am, a Nun who attended the phone of the congregation office said she would have faced problems to commute from Wayanad as the vehicles were off the road on account of the nationwide strike called by trade unions.

The congregation termed as "grave violations" a Nun taking licence, buying a car, taking a loan for it and publishing a book spending money without permission and knowledge of her superiors.

The provincial superior had denied permission to Sister Lucy to publish her collection of poems.

She, however, published her book "Snehamazhayil" without seeking permission from her superiors.

The congregation also called as "grave scandal" the Nun participating in discussions in TV news channels and writing articles for non-Christian newspapers "making false accusations against Catholic leadership and belittling it."

The sister had invited the wrath of the Church leadership by participating in a street protest here by five nuns belonging to the Catholic religious order Missionaries of Jesus demanding the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who was accused of raping a nun.

The nun could not be reached for her comments.

The nun has been asked to offer an explanation to Superior General sister Ann Joseph at Generalate of the Congregation at 11 am Wednesday.

A nun, who published poems, bought a car and took part in a protest against former bishop of Jalandhar diocese in connection with a rape case, has been issued notice by her congregation based in Aluva near here, for leading a life "against principles of religious life". In its notice, Franciscan Clarist Congregation accused Sister Lucy Kalapura belonging to its St Mary's province, Mananthavady, of leading a life, which was against the "principles of religious life" and the rule of the congregation. The nun has been asked to offer an explanation to Superior General sister Ann Joseph at Generalate of the Congregation at 11 am Wednesday. Asked whether Sister Lucy could reach the congregation at 11 am, a Nun who attended the phone of the congregation office said she would have faced problems to commute from Wayanad as the vehicles were off the road on account of the nationwide strike called by trade unions. The congregation termed as "grave violations" a Nun taking licence, buying a car, taking a loan for it and publishing a book spending money without permission and knowledge of her superiors. The provincial superior had denied permission to Sister Lucy to publish her collection of poems. She, however, published her book "Snehamazhayil" without seeking permission from her superiors. The congregation also called as "grave scandal" the Nun participating in discussions in TV news channels and writing articles for non-Christian newspapers "making false accusations against Catholic leadership and belittling it." The sister had invited the wrath of the Church leadership by participating in a street protest here by five nuns belonging to the Catholic religious order Missionaries of Jesus demanding the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who was accused of raping a nun. The nun could not be reached for her comments.

Kerala nun gets notice for leading life against religious principles

Several protesters were arrested as sporadic incidents of vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal on Tuesday during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre.

Stones were pelted at a school bus in Champadali area of Barasat in North 24 Parganas district. The students were later deboarded from the bus, police said.

Strike supporters burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burnt tyres in various parts of the state including Kolkata.

In Howrah, Siliguri, Bardhaman, Birbhum, North and South 24 Paraganas, clashes broke out between Trinamool Congress workers and strike supporters as TMC activists tried to stop them from forcibly imposing the strike.

Despite the incidents of violence, normal life in an around Kolkata and other parts of the state remained more or less unaffected by the strike call till 12 noon, except a few pockets.

Buses and other modes of transportation were seen on the roads although the number of passengers were much less than in other week days.

Tyres were burnt in Central Avenue of Kolkata to stop buses from plying in the roads. The protesters had a scuffle with the police when they tried to stop them from squatting on the roads.

A government bus was damaged by strike supporters at Champadali. Protesters also vandalised a bus at Jamuria in Paschim Bardhaman district.

Scuffles were witnessed between police and strike supporters in some areas of the state.

At Jadavpur area in south Kolkata, senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty along with several other strike supporters were detained by the police.

Protesters squatted on tracks in some places to stop trains and burnt tyres on the roads.

 
In Kerala

Trains were stopped, buses and auto-rickshaws kept off roads as the 48-hour general strike called by 10 central trade unions against "anti-labour policies" of the central government, hit normal life in the southern state Tuesday.

Workers from various sectors have extended support to the two-day strike.

Trains were stopped in Thiruvananthapuram, Tripunithura, Shoranur railway stations.

Venad Express, which runs from the state capital to Shoranur Junction daily, was delayed by more than one hour as agitators squatted on tracks, blocking its route, and raised slogans. Other trains that were stopped here were Jan Shatabdi and Raptisagar Express.

All trade unions except the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh have supported the strike, which has come five days after a 'hartal' was observed by right-wing groups in protest against the entry of two young women into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

The Sabarimala pilgrims, tourists, social and religious functions have been exempted from the strike Tuesday.

To ensure Sabarimala pilgrims were not affected by the strike, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has been operating buses from various destinations to Pamba, the foothills of the Sabarimala temple. However, KSRTC buses were not plying on other routes.

Meanwhile, pilgrims at Nilackal said they have been waiting for hours to reach the hill shrine.&nbsp;Private-run buses are also keeping off the roads.

Several protesters were arrested as sporadic incidents of vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal on Tuesday during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre.

Several protesters were arrested as sporadic incidents of vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal on Tuesday during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre. Stones were pelted at a school bus in Champadali area of Barasat in North 24 Parganas district. The students were later deboarded from the bus, police said. Strike supporters burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burnt tyres in various parts of the state including Kolkata. In Howrah, Siliguri, Bardhaman, Birbhum, North and South 24 Paraganas, clashes broke out between Trinamool Congress workers and strike supporters as TMC activists tried to stop them from forcibly imposing the strike. Despite the incidents of violence, normal life in an around Kolkata and other parts of the state remained more or less unaffected by the strike call till 12 noon, except a few pockets. Buses and other modes of transportation were seen on the roads although the number of passengers were much less than in other week days. Tyres were burnt in Central Avenue of Kolkata to stop buses from plying in the roads. The protesters had a scuffle with the police when they tried to stop them from squatting on the roads. A government bus was damaged by strike supporters at Champadali. Protesters also vandalised a bus at Jamuria in Paschim Bardhaman district. Scuffles were witnessed between police and strike supporters in some areas of the state. At Jadavpur area in south Kolkata, senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty along with several other strike supporters were detained by the police. Protesters squatted on tracks in some places to stop trains and burnt tyres on the roads. In Kerala Trains were stopped, buses and auto-rickshaws kept off roads as the 48-hour general strike called by 10 central trade unions against "anti-labour policies" of the central government, hit normal life in the southern state Tuesday. Workers from various sectors have extended support to the two-day strike. Trains were stopped in Thiruvananthapuram, Tripunithura, Shoranur railway stations. Venad Express, which runs from the state capital to Shoranur Junction daily, was delayed by more than one hour as agitators squatted on tracks, blocking its route, and raised slogans. Other trains that were stopped here were Jan Shatabdi and Raptisagar Express. All trade unions except the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh have supported the strike, which has come five days after a 'hartal' was observed by right-wing groups in protest against the entry of two young women into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The Sabarimala pilgrims, tourists, social and religious functions have been exempted from the strike Tuesday. To ensure Sabarimala pilgrims were not affected by the strike, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has been operating buses from various destinations to Pamba, the foothills of the Sabarimala temple. However, KSRTC buses were not plying on other routes. Meanwhile, pilgrims at Nilackal said they have been waiting for hours to reach the hill shrine. Private-run buses are also keeping off the roads.

Bharat Bandh: School bus attacked in West Bengal, buses & autos stay off roads in Kerala

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday raised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-violence-peaceful-sunday-in-kerala-over-5700-people-arrested-188589">the issue of violence in Kerala</a>, alleging that the ruling CPI(M) was practising "politics of murder" and many BJP workers were its victim.

Speaking during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Dubey referred to the incident of a crude bomb thrown at the residence of BJP Rajya Sabha member V Muraleedharan and sought dismissal of the state government.

He also demanded a probe by a judicial commission.

The Left fears that the BJP would replace it to form government in the state like it did in Tripura, he said.

He alleged that the CPI(M) in Kerala was practising "politics of murder and goondaism" in the state.

Jithendra Reddy of the TRS batted for giving maximum autonomy to states, saying that Union laws presently have an overriding power over state laws on issues in the concurrent list of the Constitution.

The present rules go against "cooperative federalism", an issue Prime Minister Narendra Modi often speaks about, he said.

BJP's Chintamani Malviya said a Commission to look after the interests of poor people belonging to general castes should be set up.

It is necessary that these weaker sections get reservation, he said.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey referred to the incident of a crude bomb thrown at the residence of BJP Rajya Sabha member V Muraleedharan and sought dismissal of the state government.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday raised the issue of violence in Kerala, alleging that the ruling CPI(M) was practising "politics of murder" and many BJP workers were its victim. Speaking during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Dubey referred to the incident of a crude bomb thrown at the residence of BJP Rajya Sabha member V Muraleedharan and sought dismissal of the state government. He also demanded a probe by a judicial commission. The Left fears that the BJP would replace it to form government in the state like it did in Tripura, he said. He alleged that the CPI(M) in Kerala was practising "politics of murder and goondaism" in the state. Jithendra Reddy of the TRS batted for giving maximum autonomy to states, saying that Union laws presently have an overriding power over state laws on issues in the concurrent list of the Constitution. The present rules go against "cooperative federalism", an issue Prime Minister Narendra Modi often speaks about, he said. BJP's Chintamani Malviya said a Commission to look after the interests of poor people belonging to general castes should be set up. It is necessary that these weaker sections get reservation, he said.

BJP raises Kerala violence,TRS demands maximum autonomy for states

Kerala was mostly peaceful Sunday after four days of widespread violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers following the entry of two women of child-bearing age into the Sabarimala temple, with 1,869 cases being registered so far and 5,769 people arrested. Asserting that the state government had a constitutional duty to implement the September 28 Supreme Court order allowing women of all ages into the shrine to offer prayers, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said they would not be cowed down by threats of “constitutional consequences” for Sabarimala violence.

Vijayan asked the BJP national leadership to instruct its cadre in Kerala to stop creating violence in the state. “The state has a constitutional duty to implement the Supreme Court order. There is no violence other than the ones created by the RSS, BJP and the Sangh Parivar. And now they are threatening the state with constitutional consequences,” Vijayan said in a Facebook post. The chief minister’s post came on a day Union minister Smriti Irani alleged that the CPI(M)-led LDF government was arresting BJP workers for raising their voice against the state.

BJP national spokesperson Narasimha Rao had warned the state government Saturday, saying it would have to face constitutional consequences. Vijayan also alleged that the Sangh Parivar was trying to implement the same methods that they tried in northern India. “Sangh Parivar was trying to implement the same methods which they have tried on northern India. It’s not going to succeed in Kerala. The state will deal with all kinds of attempts to create violence and communal riots with iron hands,” Vijayan said.

So far, 1,869 cases have been registered and 5,769 persons arrested in connection with the violence. At least 4,980 persons have been granted bail, a statement from the State Police chief Loknath Behara said. While in Palakkad, 283 cases have been registered so far and 764 persons arrested, in Kannur district, where crude bombs were hurled at the house of Thalassery MLA A M Shamseer and BJP leader and MP V Muraleedharan, 225 cases have been booked and 394 arrested so far. In Pathanamthitta district, where the Sabarimala temple is located, 267 cases have been registered and 677 people arrested so far. Meanwhile, the Nair Service Society (NSS), an organisation of the forward Nair community, attacked the state government over the entry of young women into the Sabarimala temple, saying it was making planned move to impose atheism on the people.

However, some state ministers came down heavily on the NSS saying it was voicing the RSS agenda. UDF convenor Benny Behanan, however, protested the attack against the NSS by the ministers. After a meeting on Sunday, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Sabarimala temple, directed Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru to provide his explanation within 15 days for performing the purification ceremony after the two women — Bindu and Kanakadurga — entered the temple on January 2. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Devaswom Commissioner N Vasu lashed out at the tantri for not taking permission from the TDB.

“The temple is controlled by the TDB. Tantri should have discussed with the board before conducting the purification ritual,” Surendran said. The purification ritual is against the Untouchability Offences Act. “Any action against the tantri will be taken after getting his explanation which the board has sought,” the minister said. The entry of two women in their forties to the hill shrine, the first time since the Supreme Court in September last year lifted the age-linked ban on the entry of women devotees, had triggered massive protests in Kerala.

Kerala was mostly peaceful Sunday after four days of widespread violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers following the entry of two women of child-bearing age into the Sabarimala temple, with 1,869 cases being registered so far and 5,769 people arrested.

Kerala was mostly peaceful Sunday after four days of widespread violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers following the entry of two women of child-bearing age into the Sabarimala temple, with 1,869 cases being registered so far and 5,769 people arrested. Asserting that the state government had a constitutional duty to implement the September 28 Supreme Court order allowing women of all ages into the shrine to offer prayers, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said they would not be cowed down by threats of “constitutional consequences” for Sabarimala violence. Vijayan asked the BJP national leadership to instruct its cadre in Kerala to stop creating violence in the state. “The state has a constitutional duty to implement the Supreme Court order. There is no violence other than the ones created by the RSS, BJP and the Sangh Parivar. And now they are threatening the state with constitutional consequences,” Vijayan said in a Facebook post. The chief minister’s post came on a day Union minister Smriti Irani alleged that the CPI(M)-led LDF government was arresting BJP workers for raising their voice against the state. BJP national spokesperson Narasimha Rao had warned the state government Saturday, saying it would have to face constitutional consequences. Vijayan also alleged that the Sangh Parivar was trying to implement the same methods that they tried in northern India. “Sangh Parivar was trying to implement the same methods which they have tried on northern India. It’s not going to succeed in Kerala. The state will deal with all kinds of attempts to create violence and communal riots with iron hands,” Vijayan said. So far, 1,869 cases have been registered and 5,769 persons arrested in connection with the violence. At least 4,980 persons have been granted bail, a statement from the State Police chief Loknath Behara said. While in Palakkad, 283 cases have been registered so far and 764 persons arrested, in Kannur district, where crude bombs were hurled at the house of Thalassery MLA A M Shamseer and BJP leader and MP V Muraleedharan, 225 cases have been booked and 394 arrested so far. In Pathanamthitta district, where the Sabarimala temple is located, 267 cases have been registered and 677 people arrested so far. Meanwhile, the Nair Service Society (NSS), an organisation of the forward Nair community, attacked the state government over the entry of young women into the Sabarimala temple, saying it was making planned move to impose atheism on the people. However, some state ministers came down heavily on the NSS saying it was voicing the RSS agenda. UDF convenor Benny Behanan, however, protested the attack against the NSS by the ministers. After a meeting on Sunday, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Sabarimala temple, directed Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru to provide his explanation within 15 days for performing the purification ceremony after the two women — Bindu and Kanakadurga — entered the temple on January 2. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Devaswom Commissioner N Vasu lashed out at the tantri for not taking permission from the TDB. “The temple is controlled by the TDB. Tantri should have discussed with the board before conducting the purification ritual,” Surendran said. The purification ritual is against the Untouchability Offences Act. “Any action against the tantri will be taken after getting his explanation which the board has sought,” the minister said. The entry of two women in their forties to the hill shrine, the first time since the Supreme Court in September last year lifted the age-linked ban on the entry of women devotees, had triggered massive protests in Kerala.

Sabarimala violence: Peaceful Sunday in Kerala, over 5,700 people arrested

As Kerala continued to witness incidents of violence, Governor Justice P Sathasivam Saturday briefed the Centre about the law and order situation in the southern state.

"Briefed Hon'ble Union Home Minister @HMOIndia Shri. Rajnath Singh about the law and order situation in Kerala in the last two days #kerala," he tweeted.

Raj Bhavan sources told PTI that the Governor, who is now in Chennai, briefed Singh about the situation over phone.

With the state witnessing widespread violence during the 12-hour state-wide shutdown called by Hindu fringe groups on Thursday, Sathasivam had sought an "urgent report" from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

He had also appealed to all sections of people to maintain calm and peace across the state.

The entry of two women of reproductive age into the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala on Wednesday, the first time since the Supreme Court in September last year lifted the age-linked ban on entry of women devotees, has triggered massive protests in Kerala.

Violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers rocked parts of Kerala, particularly Kannur, Saturday with a number of houses and shops of rival leaders and workers being attacked over the issue.&nbsp;

As Kerala continued to witness incidents of violence, Governor Justice P Sathasivam Saturday briefed the Centre about the law and order situation in the southern state.

As Kerala continued to witness incidents of violence, Governor Justice P Sathasivam Saturday briefed the Centre about the law and order situation in the southern state. "Briefed Hon'ble Union Home Minister @HMOIndia Shri. Rajnath Singh about the law and order situation in Kerala in the last two days #kerala," he tweeted. Raj Bhavan sources told PTI that the Governor, who is now in Chennai, briefed Singh about the situation over phone. With the state witnessing widespread violence during the 12-hour state-wide shutdown called by Hindu fringe groups on Thursday, Sathasivam had sought an "urgent report" from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He had also appealed to all sections of people to maintain calm and peace across the state. The entry of two women of reproductive age into the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala on Wednesday, the first time since the Supreme Court in September last year lifted the age-linked ban on entry of women devotees, has triggered massive protests in Kerala. Violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers rocked parts of Kerala, particularly Kannur, Saturday with a number of houses and shops of rival leaders and workers being attacked over the issue.

Sabarimala: Kerala government briefs Rajnath Singh over law and order situation

Kerala temple stand-off: Sri Lankan women enters Sabarimala

Kerala locals forced the state to a standstill on Thursday as they protested against the government for allowing<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-fulfilled-our-responsibility-by-giving-protection-to-women-others-are-trying-to-make-sabarimala-a-clash-zone-kerala-cm-187996"> two women to defy</a> an ancient ban and enter <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-observes-hartal-over-entry-of-2-women-to-sabarimala-temple-187962">Sabarimala temple.</a>

About 400 protesters, including some women, took to the streets of Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, in the early morning.

So far, 266 people have been arrested and 334 people have been taken into preventive detention for the various hartal-related violence.

Country-made bombs hurled at security officials by protestors in Thiruvananthapuram. Some personnel sustained minor injuries in the incident.

Many stores and other small businesses were shut after the people groups called for a state-wide stoppage. Most bus services were halted and taxis were refusing to take passengers as some drivers said they feared they would be attacked.

The state's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, told reporters that women were the target of some attacks by protesters, including women journalists covering the events.

Supreme Court in September ordered the lifting of the ban on women of menstruating age entering the Sabarimala hill temple, which draws millions of worshippers a year.

The temple has refused to abide by the ruling and subsequent attempts by women to visit have been blocked by thousands of devotees.

In the early hours of Wednesday, two women were escorted by police into the temple through a side gate without being spotted by devotees guarding the temple.

The women offered prayers from the back of the crowd from the top of a staircase where they could see the deity below without drawing the attention of the priest or other devotees, a police official familiar with the operation said.

He did not wish to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue. 
"Surprise was the biggest element here," the official said.

BUSES DAMAGED

Protests erupted soon afterwards. A woman police constable was attacked and molested by five protesters in one of the districts near Kochi on Wednesday, while a protester was pelted with stones and killed in a southern district of the state, police said.

On Thursday, protesters were seen marching towards the main city junction to stage a sit-in protest, shouting slogans and waving flags, with streets deserted.

The protests remained largely peaceful on Thursday, Vijay Sakhare, Inspector General of Police Kochi Range, told Reuters.

"We arrested more than 600 people on Wednesday from Kochi and four other adjoining districts and took nearly 300 into preventive custody," Sakhare said, adding that police were ready to offer protection to those who wanted to conduct routine business on Thursday.

"Some protesters may turn violent such as stone-throwing or blocking roads and we are armed with riot gear and have tear gas and water cannons," he said.

In several places, protesters damaged state transport buses, V.P. Pramod Kumar, deputy director, public relations, state police headquarters, told Reuters.

The Kerala state government is run by left-wing parties and has sought to allow women into the temple - a position that has drawn criticism from both of India's main political parties, the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.

DEFIANCE BY STEALTH

The two women, Bindu Ammini, 42, and Kanaka Durga, 44, had approached the state police to find a way to enter the temple after a failed attempt on Dec. 24.

As a result, officials from the state government and the police conducted a few rounds of reconnaissance to identify the side entrance, and to decide on the appropriate timing and transport, the police official said.

For more than a week before Wednesday`s visit, the women were under police protection at an undisclosed location, unknown even to their families, to prevent the plan from leaking out, he said.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the police took the two women to the hill temple inside an ambulance to avoid attention. Medical services are frequently used outside the temple because the elderly who go on the trek often face discomfort, the official said.

After offering prayers, the women merged with the crowd and headed to the exit, accompanied by four police in plain clothes, the police official said.

"Every minute, about 100 devotees throng to the sanctum sanctorum and there was no way the priest would have noticed these two," he said.

Kerala locals forced the state to a standstill on Thursday as they protested against the government for allowing two women to defy an ancient ban and enter Sabarimala temple.

Kerala locals forced the state to a standstill on Thursday as they protested against the government for allowing two women to defy an ancient ban and enter Sabarimala temple. About 400 protesters, including some women, took to the streets of Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, in the early morning. So far, 266 people have been arrested and 334 people have been taken into preventive detention for the various hartal-related violence. Country-made bombs hurled at security officials by protestors in Thiruvananthapuram. Some personnel sustained minor injuries in the incident. Many stores and other small businesses were shut after the people groups called for a state-wide stoppage. Most bus services were halted and taxis were refusing to take passengers as some drivers said they feared they would be attacked. The state's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, told reporters that women were the target of some attacks by protesters, including women journalists covering the events. Supreme Court in September ordered the lifting of the ban on women of menstruating age entering the Sabarimala hill temple, which draws millions of worshippers a year. The temple has refused to abide by the ruling and subsequent attempts by women to visit have been blocked by thousands of devotees. In the early hours of Wednesday, two women were escorted by police into the temple through a side gate without being spotted by devotees guarding the temple. The women offered prayers from the back of the crowd from the top of a staircase where they could see the deity below without drawing the attention of the priest or other devotees, a police official familiar with the operation said. He did not wish to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue. "Surprise was the biggest element here," the official said. BUSES DAMAGED Protests erupted soon afterwards. A woman police constable was attacked and molested by five protesters in one of the districts near Kochi on Wednesday, while a protester was pelted with stones and killed in a southern district of the state, police said. On Thursday, protesters were seen marching towards the main city junction to stage a sit-in protest, shouting slogans and waving flags, with streets deserted. The protests remained largely peaceful on Thursday, Vijay Sakhare, Inspector General of Police Kochi Range, told Reuters. "We arrested more than 600 people on Wednesday from Kochi and four other adjoining districts and took nearly 300 into preventive custody," Sakhare said, adding that police were ready to offer protection to those who wanted to conduct routine business on Thursday. "Some protesters may turn violent such as stone-throwing or blocking roads and we are armed with riot gear and have tear gas and water cannons," he said. In several places, protesters damaged state transport buses, V.P. Pramod Kumar, deputy director, public relations, state police headquarters, told Reuters. The Kerala state government is run by left-wing parties and has sought to allow women into the temple - a position that has drawn criticism from both of India's main political parties, the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. DEFIANCE BY STEALTH The two women, Bindu Ammini, 42, and Kanaka Durga, 44, had approached the state police to find a way to enter the temple after a failed attempt on Dec. 24. As a result, officials from the state government and the police conducted a few rounds of reconnaissance to identify the side entrance, and to decide on the appropriate timing and transport, the police official said. For more than a week before Wednesday`s visit, the women were under police protection at an undisclosed location, unknown even to their families, to prevent the plan from leaking out, he said. In the early hours of Wednesday, the police took the two women to the hill temple inside an ambulance to avoid attention. Medical services are frequently used outside the temple because the elderly who go on the trek often face discomfort, the official said. After offering prayers, the women merged with the crowd and headed to the exit, accompanied by four police in plain clothes, the police official said. "Every minute, about 100 devotees throng to the sanctum sanctorum and there was no way the priest would have noticed these two," he said.

Protests and shutdown paralyse Kerala after two women enter Sabarimala temple

In pics: Indian women fight gender inequality, form 'wall' of solidarity

In a first, lakhs of women stood should-to-shoulder across the national highways in Kerala, creating a 620 km-long human 'wall' from the northern end of Kasaragod to the southern tip here on Tuesday as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality.

The event comes days after thousands of devotees lit 'Ayyappa Jyothies' (lighting of sacred lamps) and lined up from Hosangadi in Kasargod to Kanyakumari, vowing to protect the age-old customs and traditions of Sabarimala.

On Tuesday, women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state as the event commenced at 4 pm.

Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'.

The 'Women's wall' was conceived in the backdrop of frenzied protests witnessed in the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine.

The event is part of an initiative to protect secular values, gender equality and to spread a message against those trying to push society into the dark ages, organisers of the programme said.

Before the formal start of the event, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan garlanded the statue of social reformer 'Ayyankali'.

CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat and CPI leader Annie Raja also paid floral tributes at the statue.

Vijayan had earlier expressed confidence that women, cutting across lines of caste and religion, would join the 'wall' to save Kerala from being "dragged back into the era of darkness."

CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had earlier said that 50 lakh women were expected to take part in the event.

Health minister K K Shylaja led the 'Women's Wall' at Kasaragod and Karat was the last person at the end at Vellayambalam here.

School students were given half-day holiday, while universities postponed exams scheduled for Tuesday.

The government employees and Technopark employees were allegedly asked to take part in the event, which the main opposition Congress-led UDF dubbed "caste wall" and "wall of contradictions".

The participants began lining up at the designated centres since 3 pm. A rehearsal was also held.

The 'wall' was formed at 4 pm, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values.

The campaign was suggested at a meeting called by the LDF government following massive protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages to offer prayers at Sabarimala.

In a first, lakhs of women stood should-to-shoulder across the national highways in Kerala, creating a 620 km-long human 'wall' from the northern end of Kasaragod to the southern tip here on Tuesday as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality.

In a first, lakhs of women stood should-to-shoulder across the national highways in Kerala, creating a 620 km-long human 'wall' from the northern end of Kasaragod to the southern tip here on Tuesday as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality. The event comes days after thousands of devotees lit 'Ayyappa Jyothies' (lighting of sacred lamps) and lined up from Hosangadi in Kasargod to Kanyakumari, vowing to protect the age-old customs and traditions of Sabarimala. On Tuesday, women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state as the event commenced at 4 pm. Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'. The 'Women's wall' was conceived in the backdrop of frenzied protests witnessed in the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine. The event is part of an initiative to protect secular values, gender equality and to spread a message against those trying to push society into the dark ages, organisers of the programme said. Before the formal start of the event, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan garlanded the statue of social reformer 'Ayyankali'. CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat and CPI leader Annie Raja also paid floral tributes at the statue. Vijayan had earlier expressed confidence that women, cutting across lines of caste and religion, would join the 'wall' to save Kerala from being "dragged back into the era of darkness." CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had earlier said that 50 lakh women were expected to take part in the event. Health minister K K Shylaja led the 'Women's Wall' at Kasaragod and Karat was the last person at the end at Vellayambalam here. School students were given half-day holiday, while universities postponed exams scheduled for Tuesday. The government employees and Technopark employees were allegedly asked to take part in the event, which the main opposition Congress-led UDF dubbed "caste wall" and "wall of contradictions". The participants began lining up at the designated centres since 3 pm. A rehearsal was also held. The 'wall' was formed at 4 pm, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values. The campaign was suggested at a meeting called by the LDF government following massive protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages to offer prayers at Sabarimala.

Sabarimala row: Kerala women form 620-km long human 'wall' to uphold gender equality 

Three people were injured, one of them seriously, when a country-made bomb exploded near Kuttiyadi police station limits, police said Tuesday.

The explosion occurred at around 12 last night at the compound of one Abdulla Musaliyar and his son, Sali, was among the injured, they said.

A country-made bomb has been recovered from the blast site, they added.

Police were informed about the incident this morning.

A case has been registered and the investigation has begun.

Further details are awaited.

The explosion occurred at around 12 last night at the compound of Abdulla Musaliyar and his son, police said.

Three people were injured, one of them seriously, when a country-made bomb exploded near Kuttiyadi police station limits, police said Tuesday. The explosion occurred at around 12 last night at the compound of one Abdulla Musaliyar and his son, Sali, was among the injured, they said. A country-made bomb has been recovered from the blast site, they added. Police were informed about the incident this morning. A case has been registered and the investigation has begun. Further details are awaited.

Three injured as country bomb explodes in Kerala

Lakhs of women from across Kerala are expected to form a 620 km state-sponsored 'Women's Wall'&nbsp;Tuesday to uphold gender equality and renaissance values, in the backdrop of frenzied protests in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/sabarimala-and-downfall-of-communist-rule-in-kerala-177818">Sabarimala</a> after the ruling LDF decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine.

The women will form the wall from Kasargod in northern Kerala to the southernmost district of Thiruvananthapuram.

Health minister K K Shylaja will lead the chain at Kasargod and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat will be the last person at the end of the chain in Thiruvananthapuram.

In order to ensure the success of the proposed wall, meetings were held at various levels-from ward level to district and constituency level.

The participants will gather at the designated centres on Tuesday at 3 PM, where a rehearsal will be held.

The Wall will be formed between 4 and 4.15 PM, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values.

The proposed wall was suggested at a meeting called by the Kerala government in the backdrop of frenzied protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the states decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages into Sabarimala.

"Finding a solution to the issues faced by women is seen as part of the class struggle," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Monday, adding that ensuring gender equality was part of class struggle.

In Marxist ideology, class struggle is the conflict of interests between workers and the ruling class in a capitalist society.

"The protests by communal forces against women's entry in Sabarimala prompted the government and other progressive organisations to build Women's Wall in the state," Vijayan had said, adding that all women, cutting across castes and religions, would join the wall "to save Kerala from the being dragged back into the era of darkness."

The Universal Records Forum, the team which records amazing feats across the globe, is also understood to have reached the state to witness the exercise.

The pledge for the women's wall, which was released by the Chief Ministers office Sunday, calls for upholding gender equality and renaissance values. 
It also bats for secularism and to oppose the move to turn the state into a 'lunatic asylum.'

Though the state government had initially claimed that it would extend all support to the proposed wall, it withdrew the order, allotting funds for it after a controversy erupted.

While senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has described the initiative as a 'wall of contradiction', UDF MLA M K Muneer had has termed it as a 'communal' wall for inviting participation only from 'progressive Hindu organisations'.

The government has spared no effort to make the wall a huge success with all ministers given charge of either a district or a particular place for the success of the event.

The event is organised by the ruling CPI(M), along with over 176 other socio-political organisations, including the CPI, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) and Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha (KPMS).

The Nair Service Society (NSS), a prominent caste-based organization, RSS and the right-wing groups have opposed this move and formed Ayyappa Jyothi (lighting of sacred lamps) across the state on December 26 to counter it.

Thousands had taken part in the Ayyappa Jyothi, which was undertaken by the Sabarimala Karma Samiti.

The Kudambashree Mission had earlier informed that it alone will field over 1.25 lakh women on January 1.

Many prominent personalities from all spheres of life are expected to take part in the event.&nbsp;

Lakhs of women from across Kerala are expected to form a 620 km state-sponsored 'Women's Wall' Tuesday to uphold gender equality and renaissance values, in the backdrop of frenzied protests in Sabarimala after the ruling LDF decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine.

Lakhs of women from across Kerala are expected to form a 620 km state-sponsored 'Women's Wall' Tuesday to uphold gender equality and renaissance values, in the backdrop of frenzied protests in Sabarimala after the ruling LDF decided to implement the Supreme Court verdict, allowing all women to pray at the Ayyappa shrine. The women will form the wall from Kasargod in northern Kerala to the southernmost district of Thiruvananthapuram. Health minister K K Shylaja will lead the chain at Kasargod and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat will be the last person at the end of the chain in Thiruvananthapuram. In order to ensure the success of the proposed wall, meetings were held at various levels-from ward level to district and constituency level. The participants will gather at the designated centres on Tuesday at 3 PM, where a rehearsal will be held. The Wall will be formed between 4 and 4.15 PM, with participants taking a pledge to uphold gender equality and renaissance values. The proposed wall was suggested at a meeting called by the Kerala government in the backdrop of frenzied protests by right-wing parties and a section of devotees over the states decision to implement the September 28 apex court order, allowing women of all ages into Sabarimala. "Finding a solution to the issues faced by women is seen as part of the class struggle," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Monday, adding that ensuring gender equality was part of class struggle. In Marxist ideology, class struggle is the conflict of interests between workers and the ruling class in a capitalist society. "The protests by communal forces against women's entry in Sabarimala prompted the government and other progressive organisations to build Women's Wall in the state," Vijayan had said, adding that all women, cutting across castes and religions, would join the wall "to save Kerala from the being dragged back into the era of darkness." The Universal Records Forum, the team which records amazing feats across the globe, is also understood to have reached the state to witness the exercise. The pledge for the women's wall, which was released by the Chief Ministers office Sunday, calls for upholding gender equality and renaissance values. It also bats for secularism and to oppose the move to turn the state into a 'lunatic asylum.' Though the state government had initially claimed that it would extend all support to the proposed wall, it withdrew the order, allotting funds for it after a controversy erupted. While senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has described the initiative as a 'wall of contradiction', UDF MLA M K Muneer had has termed it as a 'communal' wall for inviting participation only from 'progressive Hindu organisations'. The government has spared no effort to make the wall a huge success with all ministers given charge of either a district or a particular place for the success of the event. The event is organised by the ruling CPI(M), along with over 176 other socio-political organisations, including the CPI, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) and Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha (KPMS). The Nair Service Society (NSS), a prominent caste-based organization, RSS and the right-wing groups have opposed this move and formed Ayyappa Jyothi (lighting of sacred lamps) across the state on December 26 to counter it. Thousands had taken part in the Ayyappa Jyothi, which was undertaken by the Sabarimala Karma Samiti. The Kudambashree Mission had earlier informed that it alone will field over 1.25 lakh women on January 1. Many prominent personalities from all spheres of life are expected to take part in the event.

Sabarimala row: Lakhs of women to form 620 km-long 'Women's Wall' in Kerala today

A group of transgenders, who were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/sabarimala-verdict-missteps-on-gods-stairway-172050">on their way to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, were stopped here</a>, around 60 km from the shrine, and sent back by police Sunday.

The transgenders alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue.

Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika were dressed in black sarees, the traditional pilgrim attire, and were carrying the customary 'irumudikettu' (sacred offerings to God).

They said they reached here in the early hours but the police was reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further.

They alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple.&nbsp;

Ananya said they did not want to change the saree.

"The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said.

The devotee also said they would approach the high court against the police's move.

However, Kottayam Superintendent of Police S Harishankar rejected the charges of harassment and said everyone had the right to offer prayers at Sabarimala.

"We need to get some more legal clarity in this regard. So, we will approach the high court-appointed panel and seek their advice," he told reporters.

The state had witnessed massive protests by Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple since the Kerala government decided to implement a Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups into the shrine.

Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills due to furious protests by devotees and right-wing groups.&nbsp;

A group of transgenders, who were on their way to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, were stopped here, around 60 km from the shrine, and sent back by police Sunday.

A group of transgenders, who were on their way to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, were stopped here, around 60 km from the shrine, and sent back by police Sunday. The transgenders alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue. Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika were dressed in black sarees, the traditional pilgrim attire, and were carrying the customary 'irumudikettu' (sacred offerings to God). They said they reached here in the early hours but the police was reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further. They alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple. Ananya said they did not want to change the saree. "The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said. The devotee also said they would approach the high court against the police's move. However, Kottayam Superintendent of Police S Harishankar rejected the charges of harassment and said everyone had the right to offer prayers at Sabarimala. "We need to get some more legal clarity in this regard. So, we will approach the high court-appointed panel and seek their advice," he told reporters. The state had witnessed massive protests by Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple since the Kerala government decided to implement a Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups into the shrine. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills due to furious protests by devotees and right-wing groups.

Now, transgenders en route to Sabarimala sent back by police

After a 20-day lull since the annual pilgrim season began, long queues and packed crowds are back at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here, which had witnessed a drastic dip in pilgrim arrivals in the initial weeks.

The lifting of restrictions imposed by police and ease in tension that had prevailed at the shrine, following protests against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all age groups, have triggered a high inflow of devotees after the initial lull.

According to temple sources, over 61,000 pilgrims visited the hilltop temple on Friday alone, indicating a steady increase in the footfalls.

While the headcount was 79,306 on December 3, it was 61,037 on December 4 and 51,335 on December 5, as per the figures.

Over 45,000 pilgrims had visited the Lord Ayyappa temple on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition day, though there had been extra vigil and additional security arrangements at the temple complex.

Unlike the previous years, the temple wore a deserted look for many days after it opened for the over two-month-long monthly pilgrim season on November 16.

The number of devotees, who had offered prayers at the shrine, was just 28,717 on November 16, as per figures.

The devastation caused by the August floods had affected the usual pre-season arrangements implemented by the government at Nilackal, the base camp, and Pamba, the last gateway to the hill temple.

The dearth of dormitory facilities, safe drinking water and restrictions imposed on private vehicles have caused difficulties for devotees and affected their usual inflow.

Besides this, the intense protests by devotees and right-wing groups against the LDF government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court verdict on the entry of young women had distanced pilgrims away from the forest temple, located in the Western Ghats.

Prohibitory orders had been invoked in and around Sabarimala by police following the violent protests.

The opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP had been on a warpath against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for the past several weeks, demanding the lifting of prohibitory orders.

Raising the same demand, three UDF MLAs have been staging a satyagraha at the portals of the state Assembly, while BJP state general secretary A N Radhakrishnan is on an indefinite fast before the Secretariat since last week.

After a 20-day lull since the annual pilgrim season began, long queues and packed crowds are back at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here, which had witnessed a drastic dip in pilgrim arrivals in the initial weeks.

After a 20-day lull since the annual pilgrim season began, long queues and packed crowds are back at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here, which had witnessed a drastic dip in pilgrim arrivals in the initial weeks. The lifting of restrictions imposed by police and ease in tension that had prevailed at the shrine, following protests against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all age groups, have triggered a high inflow of devotees after the initial lull. According to temple sources, over 61,000 pilgrims visited the hilltop temple on Friday alone, indicating a steady increase in the footfalls. While the headcount was 79,306 on December 3, it was 61,037 on December 4 and 51,335 on December 5, as per the figures. Over 45,000 pilgrims had visited the Lord Ayyappa temple on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition day, though there had been extra vigil and additional security arrangements at the temple complex. Unlike the previous years, the temple wore a deserted look for many days after it opened for the over two-month-long monthly pilgrim season on November 16. The number of devotees, who had offered prayers at the shrine, was just 28,717 on November 16, as per figures. The devastation caused by the August floods had affected the usual pre-season arrangements implemented by the government at Nilackal, the base camp, and Pamba, the last gateway to the hill temple. The dearth of dormitory facilities, safe drinking water and restrictions imposed on private vehicles have caused difficulties for devotees and affected their usual inflow. Besides this, the intense protests by devotees and right-wing groups against the LDF government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court verdict on the entry of young women had distanced pilgrims away from the forest temple, located in the Western Ghats. Prohibitory orders had been invoked in and around Sabarimala by police following the violent protests. The opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP had been on a warpath against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for the past several weeks, demanding the lifting of prohibitory orders. Raising the same demand, three UDF MLAs have been staging a satyagraha at the portals of the state Assembly, while BJP state general secretary A N Radhakrishnan is on an indefinite fast before the Secretariat since last week.

After a lull, long queues, packed crowds back in Sabarimala

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the Kerala government Friday informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the Sabarimala hill shrine.

The suggestion was made when the court was hearing a petition moved by four women devotees seeking protection for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine besides facilities for smooth pilgrimage in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgement.

In their PIL, the four women, in their 20s and 30s, suggested devoting two to three days exclusively to women of all ages "who are desirous to go to Sabarimala after ridding the shrine, its premises and nearby towns from the goons and henchmen" opposing entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

The petition, filed by Reshma Nishanth, Shanila Sajeesh, Dhanya V S and Surya M, came up before a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar.

During the hearing, the state government, in line with the suggestion made by the women, informed the court that two days could be set apart for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine during the pilgrimage season.

The petitioners said they were ardent devotees of Lord Ayyappa and have been observing the customary "vritham" (the mandatory austerities for visiting Sabarimala) adorning the ritual chain and wearing black dresses after the Supreme Court pronounced its judgement opening the hill temple to all women irrespective of age.

The petitioners said they very much wanted to go and pray at the shrine. But due to the protests by some people with the support of leaders of the BJP, the Congress and temple head priest, they could not enter the shrine, they alleged.

They sought a directive to the government to ensure facilities and arrangements for smooth pilgrimage for all women and to provide adequate and sufficient protection to them for entering the temple fearlessly and freely in compliance with the apex court judgment.

Meanwhile, another division bench Friday ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine, not to divert funds to the state government without prior permission of the court.

A bench of justices P R Ramachandra Menon and N Anil Kumar issued the order in the light of complaints that expenses for food and accommodation for the police deployed at the temple were met by the TDB.

The state government claimed that the expenses were met by the government. However, the TDB expressed its willingness to provide food and accommodation to the police at Sannidhanam, the temple complex.

Hundreds of police personnel have been deployed in Sabarimala following protests by Ayyappa devotees opposing the September 28 apex court order.

The temple was opened on November 16 for the over-two-month-long pilgrimage season amid tension.

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the Kerala government Friday informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the Sabarimala hill shrine.

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the Kerala government Friday informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the Sabarimala hill shrine. The suggestion was made when the court was hearing a petition moved by four women devotees seeking protection for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine besides facilities for smooth pilgrimage in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgement. In their PIL, the four women, in their 20s and 30s, suggested devoting two to three days exclusively to women of all ages "who are desirous to go to Sabarimala after ridding the shrine, its premises and nearby towns from the goons and henchmen" opposing entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. The petition, filed by Reshma Nishanth, Shanila Sajeesh, Dhanya V S and Surya M, came up before a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar. During the hearing, the state government, in line with the suggestion made by the women, informed the court that two days could be set apart for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine during the pilgrimage season. The petitioners said they were ardent devotees of Lord Ayyappa and have been observing the customary "vritham" (the mandatory austerities for visiting Sabarimala) adorning the ritual chain and wearing black dresses after the Supreme Court pronounced its judgement opening the hill temple to all women irrespective of age. The petitioners said they very much wanted to go and pray at the shrine. But due to the protests by some people with the support of leaders of the BJP, the Congress and temple head priest, they could not enter the shrine, they alleged. They sought a directive to the government to ensure facilities and arrangements for smooth pilgrimage for all women and to provide adequate and sufficient protection to them for entering the temple fearlessly and freely in compliance with the apex court judgment. Meanwhile, another division bench Friday ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine, not to divert funds to the state government without prior permission of the court. A bench of justices P R Ramachandra Menon and N Anil Kumar issued the order in the light of complaints that expenses for food and accommodation for the police deployed at the temple were met by the TDB. The state government claimed that the expenses were met by the government. However, the TDB expressed its willingness to provide food and accommodation to the police at Sannidhanam, the temple complex. Hundreds of police personnel have been deployed in Sabarimala following protests by Ayyappa devotees opposing the September 28 apex court order. The temple was opened on November 16 for the over-two-month-long pilgrimage season amid tension.

Two days can be set apart for women to pray at Sabarimala: Kerala govt tells high court

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday sought an explanation from the state government for imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavungal during the ongoing controversy surrounding the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/sabarimala-and-downfall-of-communist-rule-in-kerala-177818">Sabarimala&nbsp;Temple</a>.&nbsp;

The court directed the state government to explain in detail how Section 144 is being implemented, who are the people coming under its purview and how do the police differentiate between devotees and protesters.&nbsp;

The court was considering a group of petitions questioning the police control imposed in Sabarimala.

On Monday, 69 people were arrested after they allegedly violated Section 144 (unlawful assembly) imposed in the vicinity of the Temple.&nbsp;

A string of protests has been witnessed in the state since the Temple opened for the first time following the top court order on September 28 allowing women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayappa shrine.

This is the third time that the Temple doors have opened since the apex court lifted the restrictions.

At least 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases have been registered in connection with the protests and the incidents of violence that have erupted since the ban was lifted.

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday sought an explanation from the state government for imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavungal during the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sabarimala Temple.

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday sought an explanation from the state government for imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavungal during the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sabarimala Temple. The court directed the state government to explain in detail how Section 144 is being implemented, who are the people coming under its purview and how do the police differentiate between devotees and protesters. The court was considering a group of petitions questioning the police control imposed in Sabarimala. On Monday, 69 people were arrested after they allegedly violated Section 144 (unlawful assembly) imposed in the vicinity of the Temple. A string of protests has been witnessed in the state since the Temple opened for the first time following the top court order on September 28 allowing women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayappa shrine. This is the third time that the Temple doors have opened since the apex court lifted the restrictions. At least 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases have been registered in connection with the protests and the incidents of violence that have erupted since the ban was lifted.

Sabarimala row: Kerala HC asks explanation from state govt on imposing sec 144

The political slugfest over the Sabarimala issue touched a new low Tuesday with BJP President Amit Shah accusing the Kerala government of treating pilgrims as 'Gulag inmates', prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to allege the Sangh Parivar was making the pilgrims 'scapegoats'.

As the stand-off continued over the entry of menstrual age women to Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala after the Supreme Court lifted the ban, Shah slammed the CPI(M)-led government's handling of the situation as "disappointing" and accused it of making them spend nights next to "pig droppings".

In a series of tweets, Shah said, "If several reports of flushing resting places for devotees and them having to spend nights next to pig droppings and dustbin are true, then Pinarayi Vijayan must realize that he can't treat Ayyappa devotees like inmates of Gulag. We won't let LDF crush people's faith with impunity."

Gulag was a system of forced labour camps established during Joseph Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union.

Shah's comments underlined his party's support to devotees protesting against the state government's move to implement the apex court order that allowed the entry of women of all groups to the temple.

Shah said the way Vijayan's government is handling the sensitive issue of Sabarimala is disappointing as the "Kerala police is treating young girls, mothers and aged inhumanly, forcing them to take the arduous pilgrimage, without even basic facilities like food, water, shelter and clean toilets".

"If Pinarayi Vijayan thinks he can rise against people's movement to preserve Sabarimala by arresting K Surendran, BJP's Thrissur district president and six others, then he is mistaken," Shah said.

Vijayan on his part lashed out at the BJP and right-wing outfits, accusing them of exploiting the Sabarimala issue for their "political gains" and trying to 'capture' and take control of the hill-top shrine.

In hard-hitting remarks, he alleged that the Sangh Parivar's agenda was to create trouble by sending "kar sevaks" to take control of the temple and make the pilgrims "scapegoats".

Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan also defended the arrest of 69 people from the temple complex on Sunday night and slammed the Congress for opposing implementation of the Supreme Court order.

He alleged the RSS and Congress "have become one" on the Sabarimala issue.

Vijayan asserted that Sabarimala would not be allowed to be transformed into a "centre of violence" and his government "will not compromise" with those perpetrating violence in the temple complex. 
He alleged Sangh Parivar was "exploiting Sabarimala in the name of faith" and trying to take control of the temple.

"All protection would be given to the pilgrims visiting the shrine for darshan," Vijayan said.

Targeting the main opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front, he said the Congress' national leadership wanted the Supreme Court verdict to be implemented, but the state unit had a different take.

"Ramesh Chennithala (leader of the opposition in the state assembly) has changed his stance multiple times which ultimately helped the Sangh Parivar politics," he said.

Defending the police action on Sunday night arresting 69 devotees from 'Sannidhanam' (the main temple complex), the chief minister said "conscious efforts" were made by some people to stay back there even after the customary closing song "Harivarasanam" and despite prohibitory orders.

"Most of them have not come to the temple through the normal route but preferred the forest path evading checking.

"Conscious efforts were made by some people to stay back at Sannidhanam even after 'Harivarasanam'," he said.

"Their specific plan is to gain full control of Sabarimala," Vijayan charged and named six Sangh Parivar office-bearers whom he alleged posed as devotees to create problems at Sabarimala on Sunday night.

The Chief Minister also referred to a BJP circular through which, he said, it had planned to deploy its cadre in an organised manner at Sabarimala to ensure that no young women would enter the shrine on the strength of the September 28 court verdict.

"As per the circular of the BJP, they would be sending the "karsevaks" with a hidden agenda to capture and take control of Sabarimala," Vijayan alleged.

He also pointed to statements reportedly made by BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai, including that the Sabarimala issue was an "opportunity for the Sangh parivar" and the saffron party and their agitation was "not against women's entry" but against the Communist party.

"Pillai has made it clear earlier itself that Sabarimala issue was a good opportunity for the Sangh parivar," Vijayan alleged.

Alleging that the Sangh Parivar has a "doctorate in peddling fake news", he said it has unleashed "fake campaign" against the state maligning its image.

The political slugfest over the Sabarimala issue touched a new low Tuesday with BJP President Amit Shah accusing the Kerala government of treating pilgrims as 'Gulag inmates', prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to allege the Sangh Parivar was making the pilgrims 'scapegoats'.

The political slugfest over the Sabarimala issue touched a new low Tuesday with BJP President Amit Shah accusing the Kerala government of treating pilgrims as 'Gulag inmates', prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to allege the Sangh Parivar was making the pilgrims 'scapegoats'. As the stand-off continued over the entry of menstrual age women to Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala after the Supreme Court lifted the ban, Shah slammed the CPI(M)-led government's handling of the situation as "disappointing" and accused it of making them spend nights next to "pig droppings". In a series of tweets, Shah said, "If several reports of flushing resting places for devotees and them having to spend nights next to pig droppings and dustbin are true, then Pinarayi Vijayan must realize that he can't treat Ayyappa devotees like inmates of Gulag. We won't let LDF crush people's faith with impunity." Gulag was a system of forced labour camps established during Joseph Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union. Shah's comments underlined his party's support to devotees protesting against the state government's move to implement the apex court order that allowed the entry of women of all groups to the temple. Shah said the way Vijayan's government is handling the sensitive issue of Sabarimala is disappointing as the "Kerala police is treating young girls, mothers and aged inhumanly, forcing them to take the arduous pilgrimage, without even basic facilities like food, water, shelter and clean toilets". "If Pinarayi Vijayan thinks he can rise against people's movement to preserve Sabarimala by arresting K Surendran, BJP's Thrissur district president and six others, then he is mistaken," Shah said. Vijayan on his part lashed out at the BJP and right-wing outfits, accusing them of exploiting the Sabarimala issue for their "political gains" and trying to 'capture' and take control of the hill-top shrine. In hard-hitting remarks, he alleged that the Sangh Parivar's agenda was to create trouble by sending "kar sevaks" to take control of the temple and make the pilgrims "scapegoats". Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan also defended the arrest of 69 people from the temple complex on Sunday night and slammed the Congress for opposing implementation of the Supreme Court order. He alleged the RSS and Congress "have become one" on the Sabarimala issue. Vijayan asserted that Sabarimala would not be allowed to be transformed into a "centre of violence" and his government "will not compromise" with those perpetrating violence in the temple complex. He alleged Sangh Parivar was "exploiting Sabarimala in the name of faith" and trying to take control of the temple. "All protection would be given to the pilgrims visiting the shrine for darshan," Vijayan said. Targeting the main opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front, he said the Congress' national leadership wanted the Supreme Court verdict to be implemented, but the state unit had a different take. "Ramesh Chennithala (leader of the opposition in the state assembly) has changed his stance multiple times which ultimately helped the Sangh Parivar politics," he said. Defending the police action on Sunday night arresting 69 devotees from 'Sannidhanam' (the main temple complex), the chief minister said "conscious efforts" were made by some people to stay back there even after the customary closing song "Harivarasanam" and despite prohibitory orders. "Most of them have not come to the temple through the normal route but preferred the forest path evading checking. "Conscious efforts were made by some people to stay back at Sannidhanam even after 'Harivarasanam'," he said. "Their specific plan is to gain full control of Sabarimala," Vijayan charged and named six Sangh Parivar office-bearers whom he alleged posed as devotees to create problems at Sabarimala on Sunday night. The Chief Minister also referred to a BJP circular through which, he said, it had planned to deploy its cadre in an organised manner at Sabarimala to ensure that no young women would enter the shrine on the strength of the September 28 court verdict. "As per the circular of the BJP, they would be sending the "karsevaks" with a hidden agenda to capture and take control of Sabarimala," Vijayan alleged. He also pointed to statements reportedly made by BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai, including that the Sabarimala issue was an "opportunity for the Sangh parivar" and the saffron party and their agitation was "not against women's entry" but against the Communist party. "Pillai has made it clear earlier itself that Sabarimala issue was a good opportunity for the Sangh parivar," Vijayan alleged. Alleging that the Sangh Parivar has a "doctorate in peddling fake news", he said it has unleashed "fake campaign" against the state maligning its image.

Sabarimala pilgrims treated as 'Gulag inmates', alleges Shah; Kerala CM hits back 

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple.

The Board, which manages the hill shrine, has cited lack of basic amenities among other things as the reason for seeking more time from the top court.

The announcement on the TDB's move came amid mounting tension against the backdrop of the stand-off over entry of women in the 10-50 age group, traditionally barred at the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a celibate.

Pilgrims had said there was lack of adequate toilet facilities, causing immense difficulties especially to women, and rest rooms after the floods in August that had destroyed the infrastructure.

The top court had earlier refused to stay its verdict while agreeing to hear in open court a batch of petitions seeking review of its September 28 verdict by which it had lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.&nbsp;

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple. The Board, which manages the hill shrine, has cited lack of basic amenities among other things as the reason for seeking more time from the top court. The announcement on the TDB's move came amid mounting tension against the backdrop of the stand-off over entry of women in the 10-50 age group, traditionally barred at the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a celibate. Pilgrims had said there was lack of adequate toilet facilities, causing immense difficulties especially to women, and rest rooms after the floods in August that had destroyed the infrastructure. The top court had earlier refused to stay its verdict while agreeing to hear in open court a batch of petitions seeking review of its September 28 verdict by which it had lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

Sabarimala: Travancore Devaswom Board moves SC seeking more time to implement verdict

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine.

The Congress levelled the allegation as a three-member party delegation comprising former state ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adoor Prakash and V S Sivakumar left for Sabarimala to study the situation there.

"The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has virtually turned into a fortress, where the entry of devotees of Lord Ayyappa are being restricted," Radhakrishnan, who is also a legislator, told reporters here.

Prakash, representing the Konni Assembly constituency, claimed that heavy police deployment at Sabarimala was disrupting the normal flow of devotees.

"The government, using the police force, is creating a terror-like atmosphere in the name of ensuring security of the Lord Ayyappa shrine," he alleged.

Sivakumar, a former Devaswom minister, alleged that the government had not taken any step to provide basic facilities for the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple.

The MLA from Thiruvananthapuram said devotees face a lot of hardship due to lack of basic facilities at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam.

Before heading to Sabarimala, the Congress leaders alleged that the state government was not interested in setting up necessary infrastructure and security for the pilgrims and instead was only interested in creating hardships for them.

Amid tight security, thousands of pilgrims paid their obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine on Saturday, which was also the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrischikom'. The temple opened on Friday evening for the two-month annual pilgrimage season even as the stand-off over entry of women of menstruating age into the temple continued.

The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed protests by devotees when it was opened for monthly pujas for eight days in October and early this month against the LDF government's attempt to implement the apex court verdict allowing women of all age groups to pray at the shrine.

Social activist Trupti Desai, who arrived at Kochi airport Friday en route Sabarimala, was forced to return to Maharashtra after she faced an over 13-hour protest.

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine.

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine. The Congress levelled the allegation as a three-member party delegation comprising former state ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adoor Prakash and V S Sivakumar left for Sabarimala to study the situation there. "The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has virtually turned into a fortress, where the entry of devotees of Lord Ayyappa are being restricted," Radhakrishnan, who is also a legislator, told reporters here. Prakash, representing the Konni Assembly constituency, claimed that heavy police deployment at Sabarimala was disrupting the normal flow of devotees. "The government, using the police force, is creating a terror-like atmosphere in the name of ensuring security of the Lord Ayyappa shrine," he alleged. Sivakumar, a former Devaswom minister, alleged that the government had not taken any step to provide basic facilities for the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple. The MLA from Thiruvananthapuram said devotees face a lot of hardship due to lack of basic facilities at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam. Before heading to Sabarimala, the Congress leaders alleged that the state government was not interested in setting up necessary infrastructure and security for the pilgrims and instead was only interested in creating hardships for them. Amid tight security, thousands of pilgrims paid their obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine on Saturday, which was also the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrischikom'. The temple opened on Friday evening for the two-month annual pilgrimage season even as the stand-off over entry of women of menstruating age into the temple continued. The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed protests by devotees when it was opened for monthly pujas for eight days in October and early this month against the LDF government's attempt to implement the apex court verdict allowing women of all age groups to pray at the shrine. Social activist Trupti Desai, who arrived at Kochi airport Friday en route Sabarimala, was forced to return to Maharashtra after she faced an over 13-hour protest.

CPI(M)-led Kerala govt creating terror-like atmosphere in name of security of Sabarimala temple: Congress

As I write this, Section 144 of the IPC, prohibiting the assembly of more than four persons, has been imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal. It seems Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has a problem. Is it none other than Lord Ayyappan himself? Or, should I say, Lord Ayyappan as he is manifest at Sabarimala? For though he is worshipped in thousands of shrines across South India, it is in this remote temple complex inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve that the lord attracts the largest and most fervent flock of devotees. Some 15-30 million of them, throng to seek his darshan each year, most after a rigorous 41-day penance. Wearing black clothes, walking barefoot, abstaining from alcohol, meat, sex, and sleeping on the floor are among the rigours that the Sabarimala pilgrimage demands.

In 1991 the Kerala High Court forbade girls/women between 10 and 50 years &nbsp;from visiting this temple. The Supreme Court overturned that judgment on September 28 ruling the “selective ban on women” as “unconstitutional and discriminatory”. Many offended devotees felt this order was interventionist and unfair. In fact, the lone woman judge in the five-member bench, Justice Indu Malhotra, dissented: “It is not for court to interfere in religious practices even if it appears discriminatory. Notions of rationality cannot be brought into matters of religion,” she opined. Indeed, a group of female devotees of the lord, started their “Ready To Wait” campaign in September 2016 to oppose the petition to allow women into the shrine.

On November 14, the apex court declined to stay its order of September 28, referring the many review petitions to the Constitution bench slated to meet on January 22, 2019. On November 15, Sabarimala reopened to devotees after the Mandalapooja. The darshans will continue till December 26, then again from Makara Sankranti (January 14) till Maha Vishuva Sankranti (April 14). The all-party meeting called on November 15 by Vijayan also failed to resolve the Sabarimala impasse. The Congress walked out, accusing the Communist government of forcibly entering women into the temple, thereby trampling on the sentiments of devotees. Ramesh Chennithala, Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, said, “The CM was not ready to listen to us…the government will be responsible for all the untoward incidents that will happen in the shrine.” The BJP too walked out of the proceedings, leaving the Communists red-faced and isolated to face the political repercussions of Sabarimala on their own.

A huge posse of security personnel polices the premises: The more repressive and brutal the Communist state and police machinery, the more it risks an adverse backlash from people of Kerala. With huge crowds swamping the pilgrimage route, neither the safety of the few women who dare — or are instigated — to enter can be guaranteed, nor the likelihood of some untoward if not violent upsurge ruled out. Setting aside separate days or timings to allow women into the shrine is only likely to exacerbate the anger of the people.&nbsp;

Congress leader Chennithala accused Vijayan’s government of “playing to the tune of RSS-BJP”. Though this was the usual political finger-pointing, his statement might turn out, to Congress’s regret and discomfiture, truer than he might have imagined. BJP state chief PS Sreedharan Pillai warned that “the CM is going to pay high price for his arrogance over the issue.” The pilgrim season of the coming 64 days will prove crucial to the political fortunes of Vijayan and his Left Democratic Front (LDF) regime. Apparently, some 550 women have already registered online to exercise their rights to have the darshan of Lord Ayappan. It is now Vijayan’s responsibility to ensure that they are allowed inside the temple. But should he enforce the Supreme Court’s order, it will bring his government into a head-on collision with not only the Pandalam royal family and the head priest of the shrine, but with the BJP as well as the organised people’s resistance to the change of temple rituals and practices.

History has been rewritten in Indian state politics whenever the Hindu vote has consolidated, whether in UP, Gujarat, or more recently, in Assam or Tripura. The triggers may be varied — from Ram Janmabhoomi to Godhra to illegal immigrants. Hindus being a majority in most Indian states, the BJP has been the natural beneficiary of such a consolidation. The Supreme Court verdict, full of what some critics consider pompous grand-standing and virtue-signalling, may actually give the BJP the fillip it so desperately needs. Kerala Hindus thus far have resembled a house divided. Will that change now? Will insults and humiliation, along with anger and outrage, be the Molotov cocktail to overthrow Communist rule’s last bastion in India? 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-sabarimala-and-downfall-of-communist-rule-in-kerala-2686484"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

As I write this, Section 144 of the IPC, prohibiting the assembly of more than four persons, has been imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal. It seems Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has a problem.

As I write this, Section 144 of the IPC, prohibiting the assembly of more than four persons, has been imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal. It seems Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has a problem. Is it none other than Lord Ayyappan himself? Or, should I say, Lord Ayyappan as he is manifest at Sabarimala? For though he is worshipped in thousands of shrines across South India, it is in this remote temple complex inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve that the lord attracts the largest and most fervent flock of devotees. Some 15-30 million of them, throng to seek his darshan each year, most after a rigorous 41-day penance. Wearing black clothes, walking barefoot, abstaining from alcohol, meat, sex, and sleeping on the floor are among the rigours that the Sabarimala pilgrimage demands. In 1991 the Kerala High Court forbade girls/women between 10 and 50 years from visiting this temple. The Supreme Court overturned that judgment on September 28 ruling the “selective ban on women” as “unconstitutional and discriminatory”. Many offended devotees felt this order was interventionist and unfair. In fact, the lone woman judge in the five-member bench, Justice Indu Malhotra, dissented: “It is not for court to interfere in religious practices even if it appears discriminatory. Notions of rationality cannot be brought into matters of religion,” she opined. Indeed, a group of female devotees of the lord, started their “Ready To Wait” campaign in September 2016 to oppose the petition to allow women into the shrine. On November 14, the apex court declined to stay its order of September 28, referring the many review petitions to the Constitution bench slated to meet on January 22, 2019. On November 15, Sabarimala reopened to devotees after the Mandalapooja. The darshans will continue till December 26, then again from Makara Sankranti (January 14) till Maha Vishuva Sankranti (April 14). The all-party meeting called on November 15 by Vijayan also failed to resolve the Sabarimala impasse. The Congress walked out, accusing the Communist government of forcibly entering women into the temple, thereby trampling on the sentiments of devotees. Ramesh Chennithala, Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, said, “The CM was not ready to listen to us…the government will be responsible for all the untoward incidents that will happen in the shrine.” The BJP too walked out of the proceedings, leaving the Communists red-faced and isolated to face the political repercussions of Sabarimala on their own. A huge posse of security personnel polices the premises: The more repressive and brutal the Communist state and police machinery, the more it risks an adverse backlash from people of Kerala. With huge crowds swamping the pilgrimage route, neither the safety of the few women who dare — or are instigated — to enter can be guaranteed, nor the likelihood of some untoward if not violent upsurge ruled out. Setting aside separate days or timings to allow women into the shrine is only likely to exacerbate the anger of the people. Congress leader Chennithala accused Vijayan’s government of “playing to the tune of RSS-BJP”. Though this was the usual political finger-pointing, his statement might turn out, to Congress’s regret and discomfiture, truer than he might have imagined. BJP state chief PS Sreedharan Pillai warned that “the CM is going to pay high price for his arrogance over the issue.” The pilgrim season of the coming 64 days will prove crucial to the political fortunes of Vijayan and his Left Democratic Front (LDF) regime. Apparently, some 550 women have already registered online to exercise their rights to have the darshan of Lord Ayappan. It is now Vijayan’s responsibility to ensure that they are allowed inside the temple. But should he enforce the Supreme Court’s order, it will bring his government into a head-on collision with not only the Pandalam royal family and the head priest of the shrine, but with the BJP as well as the organised people’s resistance to the change of temple rituals and practices. History has been rewritten in Indian state politics whenever the Hindu vote has consolidated, whether in UP, Gujarat, or more recently, in Assam or Tripura. The triggers may be varied — from Ram Janmabhoomi to Godhra to illegal immigrants. Hindus being a majority in most Indian states, the BJP has been the natural beneficiary of such a consolidation. The Supreme Court verdict, full of what some critics consider pompous grand-standing and virtue-signalling, may actually give the BJP the fillip it so desperately needs. Kerala Hindus thus far have resembled a house divided. Will that change now? Will insults and humiliation, along with anger and outrage, be the Molotov cocktail to overthrow Communist rule’s last bastion in India? (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sabarimala and downfall of Communist rule in Kerala

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala shrine, would move the Supreme Court on Monday seeking more time to implement its order allowing women of menstrual age to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple.

The TDB's move comes a day after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, at an all-party meeting, took a firm stand that it was bound to implement the top court order and rejected suggestions by opposition parties that it seek time from the court.

"We will move the Supreme court on Monday through Advocate Chandra Uday Singh" TDB President A Padmakumar, told PTI.

The board had Friday said it would move the apex court either Saturday or Monday seeking more time to implement the September 28 verdict of the top court allowing women of all age groups to offer prayers at the Sabarimala shrine as it wanted the devotees to have peaceful 'darshan'.

The temple and surrounding areas have come under unprecedented security for the season which draws lakhs of devotees to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. 
The Supreme Court is slated to hear petitions seeking review of its September 28 order in January, but has refused to stay it.&nbsp;

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala shrine, would move the Supreme Court on Monday seeking more time to implement its order allowing women of menstrual age to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple.

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala shrine, would move the Supreme Court on Monday seeking more time to implement its order allowing women of menstrual age to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple. The TDB's move comes a day after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, at an all-party meeting, took a firm stand that it was bound to implement the top court order and rejected suggestions by opposition parties that it seek time from the court. "We will move the Supreme court on Monday through Advocate Chandra Uday Singh" TDB President A Padmakumar, told PTI. The board had Friday said it would move the apex court either Saturday or Monday seeking more time to implement the September 28 verdict of the top court allowing women of all age groups to offer prayers at the Sabarimala shrine as it wanted the devotees to have peaceful 'darshan'. The temple and surrounding areas have come under unprecedented security for the season which draws lakhs of devotees to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. The Supreme Court is slated to hear petitions seeking review of its September 28 order in January, but has refused to stay it.

Sabarimala row: Travancore Devaswom Board to move Supreme Court on Monday

The Kerala government Tuesday convened an all-party meeting on November 15 to discuss various issues relating to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, which witnessed widespread protests following the Supreme Court decision to permit entry of women of all ages into the shrine.

The decision to call the meeting comes on a day when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-sc-defers-hear-review-petitions-on-january-22-refuses-to-stay-earlier-verdict-177077">the apex court refused to stay its September 28 verdict</a>, lifting the centuries-old ban on girls and women in the 10-50 age group from entering the shrine and decided to hear a batch of review petitions in open court on January 22.

The two-month-long annual 'Mandala Makkaravillakku' season will start on November 17 and the meeting will also take stock of the arrangements made for devotees.

The temple had witnessed a string of protests from devotees when it opened for monthly pujas for five days in October and two days early this month.

Over 3,700 persons have been arrested so far and 546 cases registered against various people for violence during protests across the state after the top court permitted women of all ages to pray at the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala.

Over 500 young women registered for darshan in the online queue website of Kerala police last week.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Kerala government Tuesday convened an all-party meeting on November 15 to discuss various issues relating to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, which witnessed widespread protests following the Supreme Court decision to permit entry of women of all ages into the shrine.

The Kerala government Tuesday convened an all-party meeting on November 15 to discuss various issues relating to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, which witnessed widespread protests following the Supreme Court decision to permit entry of women of all ages into the shrine. The decision to call the meeting comes on a day when the apex court refused to stay its September 28 verdict, lifting the centuries-old ban on girls and women in the 10-50 age group from entering the shrine and decided to hear a batch of review petitions in open court on January 22. The two-month-long annual 'Mandala Makkaravillakku' season will start on November 17 and the meeting will also take stock of the arrangements made for devotees. The temple had witnessed a string of protests from devotees when it opened for monthly pujas for five days in October and two days early this month. Over 3,700 persons have been arrested so far and 546 cases registered against various people for violence during protests across the state after the top court permitted women of all ages to pray at the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. Over 500 young women registered for darshan in the online queue website of Kerala police last week.

All-party meeting in Kerala on Sabarimala issue on Nov 15

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday, said that his government will take a final call on the Sabarimala case after consulting with legal experts, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister told media that the Supreme Court on today noted that its verdict, allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, stands and that the review petitions will be heard on January 22.&nbsp;

He said that the Kerala government will decide further course of action on the case after the 'Makaravilakku' pilgrim season ends on January 21.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
SC has clearly said that its verdict allowing entry of women between age groups 10-50 yrs to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> stands. Review petitions will be heard on Jan 22, after the 'Makaravilakku' season ends on Jan 21. Govt will discuss with legal experts &amp; move forward: Kerala CM <a href="https://t.co/ruF3HOsyZE">pic.twitter.com/ruF3HOsyZE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062313058834546699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We are waiting for details of the apex court's decision. The Chief Minister had earlier declared that whatever decision the apex court takes, it will be implemented.

The government will evaluate the situation and take an appropriate decision", he said

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-sc-defers-hear-review-petitions-on-january-22-refuses-to-stay-earlier-verdict-177077">Supreme Court today refused to stay its verdict</a> allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple, but agreed to hear in open court on January 22, a batch of review petitions in the matter.

The review petitions against the September 28 verdict were taken up 'in-chamber' by a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

"All the review petitions along with all pending applications will be heard in Open Court on 22nd January, 2019 before the appropriate Bench. 
We make it clear that there is no stay of the judgement and order of this Court dated 28th September, 2018 passed in Writ Petition (Civil) No.373 of 2006 (Indian Young Lawyers Association &amp; Ors. Vs.The State of Kerala &amp; Ors)," the order said.

There are around 50 petitions seeking review of the judgement.

On September 28, the Supreme Court of India pronounced its verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday, said that his government will take a final call on the Sabarimala case after consulting with legal experts, news agency ANI reported.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday, said that his government will take a final call on the Sabarimala case after consulting with legal experts, news agency ANI reported. The Chief Minister told media that the Supreme Court on today noted that its verdict, allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, stands and that the review petitions will be heard on January 22. He said that the Kerala government will decide further course of action on the case after the 'Makaravilakku' pilgrim season ends on January 21. SC has clearly said that its verdict allowing entry of women between age groups 10-50 yrs to #SabarimalaTemple stands. Review petitions will be heard on Jan 22, after the 'Makaravilakku' season ends on Jan 21. Govt will discuss with legal experts & move forward: Kerala CM pic.twitter.com/ruF3HOsyZE — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × "We are waiting for details of the apex court's decision. The Chief Minister had earlier declared that whatever decision the apex court takes, it will be implemented. The government will evaluate the situation and take an appropriate decision", he said The Supreme Court today refused to stay its verdict allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple, but agreed to hear in open court on January 22, a batch of review petitions in the matter. The review petitions against the September 28 verdict were taken up 'in-chamber' by a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, news agency PTI reported. "All the review petitions along with all pending applications will be heard in Open Court on 22nd January, 2019 before the appropriate Bench. We make it clear that there is no stay of the judgement and order of this Court dated 28th September, 2018 passed in Writ Petition (Civil) No.373 of 2006 (Indian Young Lawyers Association & Ors. Vs.The State of Kerala & Ors)," the order said. There are around 50 petitions seeking review of the judgement. On September 28, the Supreme Court of India pronounced its verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple.

Will take final call after consulting legal experts: Kerala CM Vijayan on Sabarimala

Congress leader and MLA K Muraleedharan Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convene an all-party meeting before the Mandala- Makaravilikku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, beginning November 17, to sort out 'infrastructure bottlenecks.'

He alleged that even basic infrastructure like toilets and drinking water for pilgrims were yet to be readied at Sabarimala.

"Though the pilgrim season is just a week away, basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets for thousands of of pilgrims who are expected to visit the place are yet to be arranged.

The Chief Minister must shed his arrogance and call an all-party meeting," he said at a press meet here.

Lakhs of pilgrims from the country and abroad visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple every year during the annual Mandala-Makaravilikku pilgrimage season every year.

The Congress MLA also sought a judicial probe into the death of a man who was pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by a police official.

He said the Chief Minister was yet to visit the grieving family of Sanal.

32-year-old Sanal was killed after being pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Neyyatinkara) B Harikumar at Neyyatinkara near here.

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor also demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation and a government job for Sanal's widow.&nbsp;

Congress leader and MLA K Muraleedharan Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convene an all-party meeting before the Mandala- Makaravilikku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, beginning November 17, to sort out 'infrastructure bottlenecks.

Congress leader and MLA K Muraleedharan Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convene an all-party meeting before the Mandala- Makaravilikku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, beginning November 17, to sort out 'infrastructure bottlenecks.' He alleged that even basic infrastructure like toilets and drinking water for pilgrims were yet to be readied at Sabarimala. "Though the pilgrim season is just a week away, basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets for thousands of of pilgrims who are expected to visit the place are yet to be arranged. The Chief Minister must shed his arrogance and call an all-party meeting," he said at a press meet here. Lakhs of pilgrims from the country and abroad visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple every year during the annual Mandala-Makaravilikku pilgrimage season every year. The Congress MLA also sought a judicial probe into the death of a man who was pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by a police official. He said the Chief Minister was yet to visit the grieving family of Sanal. 32-year-old Sanal was killed after being pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Neyyatinkara) B Harikumar at Neyyatinkara near here. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor also demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation and a government job for Sanal's widow.

Congress MLA urges CM Vijayan to call all-party meeting on Sabarimala

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