As a major development in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/larger-constitution-bench-of-supreme-court-to-sabarimala-review-petitions-in-january-269501">Sabarimala temple case</a>, a nine-judge Constitution bench of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/section-144-cannot-be-used-to-suppress-freedom-of-speech-kapil-sibal-273479">Supreme Court</a> will hear the batch of petitions seeking considerable review of the 2018 judgement which alllowed girls and women of all age groups to visit and offer prayers&nbsp;in the shrine.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-the-corridors-of-judiciary-supreme-court-verdicts-that-held-nations-attention-in-2019-270230">apex court</a> had on January 6 issued a notice informing about the listing. 
 
On December 13, the Supreme Court had said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refers-sabarimala-case-to-larger-constitution-bench-261956">seven-judge bench</a>, which, it had said, will be constituted soon. 
 
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde had made these observations while passing an order on a petition filed by two activists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-likely-to-hear-bindu-aminis-plea-on-sabarimala-entry-next-week-266448">Bindu Ammini</a> and Fathima A S, seeking safe passage for women inside the shrine. 
 
"There is a judgment (allowing women entry) in the Sabarimala temple, but it is equally true that the issue has been referred to a larger Bench. We do not want any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-devotees-pay-obeisance-at-sabarimala-temple-262681">violence</a>," the court had observed. 
 
The apex court, however, granted police protection to the two activists. 
 
In November, a man had sprayed chili and pepper on Bindu's face when she was on her way to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-tight-security-arrangements-sabarimala-temple-opens-for-prayer-262585">Sabarimala</a> temple. Fathima had also tried to enter the shrine. 
 
The apex court refused to pass any other order in connection to the matter. 
 
The apex court had in the year 2018 allowed girls and women of all age groups to visit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-visit-sabarimala-temple-as-it-is-our-constitutional-right-trupti-desai-264546">Lord Ayyappa temple</a> at Sabarimala in Kerala, following which a batch of review petitions was filed. 
 
Allowing their review petitions, the court had referred the matter to a larger bench.

As a major development in Sabarimala temple case, a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court will hear the batch of petitions seeking considerable review of the 2018 judgement which alllowed girls and women of all age groups to visit and offer prayers in the shrine.

As a major development in Sabarimala temple case, a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court will hear the batch of petitions seeking considerable review of the 2018 judgement which alllowed girls and women of all age groups to visit and offer prayers in the shrine. The apex court had on January 6 issued a notice informing about the listing. On December 13, the Supreme Court had said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a seven-judge bench, which, it had said, will be constituted soon. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde had made these observations while passing an order on a petition filed by two activists Bindu Ammini and Fathima A S, seeking safe passage for women inside the shrine. "There is a judgment (allowing women entry) in the Sabarimala temple, but it is equally true that the issue has been referred to a larger Bench. We do not want any violence," the court had observed. The apex court, however, granted police protection to the two activists. In November, a man had sprayed chili and pepper on Bindu's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple. Fathima had also tried to enter the shrine. The apex court refused to pass any other order in connection to the matter. The apex court had in the year 2018 allowed girls and women of all age groups to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala, following which a batch of review petitions was filed. Allowing their review petitions, the court had referred the matter to a larger bench.

Nine-judge Supreme Court bench to hear issue of women's entry in Sabarimala temple from today

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

The Sabarimala shrine witnessed a steady flow of devotees Friday, even as Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan came out in support of a senior IPS officer who was allegedly embroiled in a spat with Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan two days ago.

Backing Superintendent of Police Yatish Chandra, who has been facing backlash from right-wing activists for allegedly insulting Radhakrishnan, Vijayan alleged the Sangh Parivar was "attacking sincere officers to demoralise them."

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the State government informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the shrine.

The suggestion was made when the court was hearing a petition moved by four young 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.

The footfalls at the Sabarimala temple, which had witnessed protests against the state government's decision to implement the top court verdict allowing entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine, picked up on Friday.

The police said the temple, which was opened on November 16 for the over-two-month-long pilgrimage season, witnessed comparatively more crowd than on other days.

"We are yet to collate the details," an official at Pamaba police control room told PTI.

Coming out in support of SP Yatish Chandra, Vijayan said the police officer was explaining the "peculiar situation of Sabarimala" to the union minister.

The Bharatiya Janata Party and right-wing activists observed a dawn-to-dusk bandh in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, stopping Kerala State Road Transport buses plying through the district, protesting the alleged misbehaviour of the officer.

"Only VIP vehicles are allowed to Pamba from Nilackal. This is due to the peculiar situation at Sabarimala. However, the people accompanying the union minister wanted their private vehicles to be allowed till Pamba.

The officer was politely explaining the situation," Vijayan told reporters at Thiruvanathapuram.

"The Sangh Parivar has been attacking police officials who have been doing sincere work to demoralise them," Vijayan said.

Real devotees would never face any issues at Sabarimala, he said, adding that the restrictions were only for the safety and security of the pilgrims.

"A real devotee will never face any kind of trouble at Sabarimala. However, it's the responsibility of the police to detain those who come to the shrine to create trouble. If someone tries to hamper the peace there, police will have to intervene," he said.

He rejected media reports that the Kerala High Court had slammed the government and police for its "high-handedness."

Meanwhile, BJP general secretary K Surendran, whose remand has been extended for 14 more days, alleged that the office of the Chief Minister has been "unleashing" an "orchestrated" campaign to keep him behind bars.

He was taken into custody earlier this week from Nilackal, the base camp of Sabarimala, after he refused to go back despite the police request.

Sixty-nine protesters were arrested after they had held a "nama japam" (chanting Lord Ayyappa mantras) inside the temple complex late on Sunday, defying prohibitory orders.

The Pathanamthitta district administration has extended prohibitory orders clamped in Sabarimala and surrounding areas till November 26. 
Police said that prohibitory orders at Erumeli, about 90 km from Sabarimala, in Kottyam district, have been lifted.

Though over 50 days have gone by since the Supreme Court delivered its historic verdict, no woman or girl in the traditionally barred age group of 10-50 has been able to set foot in the hallowed precincts of the shrine.

The Sabarimala shrine witnessed a steady flow of devotees Friday, even as Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan came out in support of a senior IPS officer who was allegedly embroiled in a spat with Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan two days ago.

The Sabarimala shrine witnessed a steady flow of devotees Friday, even as Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan came out in support of a senior IPS officer who was allegedly embroiled in a spat with Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan two days ago. Backing Superintendent of Police Yatish Chandra, who has been facing backlash from right-wing activists for allegedly insulting Radhakrishnan, Vijayan alleged the Sangh Parivar was "attacking sincere officers to demoralise them." Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the State government informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the shrine. The suggestion was made when the court was hearing a petition moved by four young 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. The footfalls at the Sabarimala temple, which had witnessed protests against the state government's decision to implement the top court verdict allowing entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine, picked up on Friday. The police said the temple, which was opened on November 16 for the over-two-month-long pilgrimage season, witnessed comparatively more crowd than on other days. "We are yet to collate the details," an official at Pamaba police control room told PTI. Coming out in support of SP Yatish Chandra, Vijayan said the police officer was explaining the "peculiar situation of Sabarimala" to the union minister. The Bharatiya Janata Party and right-wing activists observed a dawn-to-dusk bandh in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, stopping Kerala State Road Transport buses plying through the district, protesting the alleged misbehaviour of the officer. "Only VIP vehicles are allowed to Pamba from Nilackal. This is due to the peculiar situation at Sabarimala. However, the people accompanying the union minister wanted their private vehicles to be allowed till Pamba. The officer was politely explaining the situation," Vijayan told reporters at Thiruvanathapuram. "The Sangh Parivar has been attacking police officials who have been doing sincere work to demoralise them," Vijayan said. Real devotees would never face any issues at Sabarimala, he said, adding that the restrictions were only for the safety and security of the pilgrims. "A real devotee will never face any kind of trouble at Sabarimala. However, it's the responsibility of the police to detain those who come to the shrine to create trouble. If someone tries to hamper the peace there, police will have to intervene," he said. He rejected media reports that the Kerala High Court had slammed the government and police for its "high-handedness." Meanwhile, BJP general secretary K Surendran, whose remand has been extended for 14 more days, alleged that the office of the Chief Minister has been "unleashing" an "orchestrated" campaign to keep him behind bars. He was taken into custody earlier this week from Nilackal, the base camp of Sabarimala, after he refused to go back despite the police request. Sixty-nine protesters were arrested after they had held a "nama japam" (chanting Lord Ayyappa mantras) inside the temple complex late on Sunday, defying prohibitory orders. The Pathanamthitta district administration has extended prohibitory orders clamped in Sabarimala and surrounding areas till November 26. Police said that prohibitory orders at Erumeli, about 90 km from Sabarimala, in Kottyam district, have been lifted. Though over 50 days have gone by since the Supreme Court delivered its historic verdict, no woman or girl in the traditionally barred age group of 10-50 has been able to set foot in the hallowed precincts of the shrine.

Steady flow of pilgrims at shrine, CM slams sangh parivar

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

Women will now have to provide an age proof document for visiting Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala, Kerala, where the entry for women between ages 10-50 is banned.&nbsp;

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, passed the order during an ongoing pilgrim session following the increasing number of women devotees trying to trek to the hillock shrine defying the restrictions.

&quot;The decision was taken in view of a number of women belonging to the banned age group trying to visit the shrine recently,&quot; TDB President A&nbsp;Padmakumar said.&nbsp;

Although, this will not be a proper verification. Only the ones suspicious will be asked to show the necessary documents - which could be any ID approved by the government.&nbsp;

&quot;Carrying an authentic age proof document will help avoid unnecessary arguments between women pilgrims and the police and Devaswom officials who carry out checks,&quot; Padmakumar&nbsp;said.

However, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Annie Raja slammed the temple authorities, saying that the directive was a violation of the rights of women to worship.

&quot;It is once again denying the rights of women to worship any God. Women were actually demanding entry into the Sabarimala Temple, but it is unfortunate that the temple authorities deny and are now demanding age proof,&quot; Raja said.&nbsp;

&quot;God does not discriminate between man and woman but these custodians of God are denying the women their rights to worship,&quot; she added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, passed the order during an ongoing pilgrim session following the increasing number of women devotees trying to trek to the hillock shrine defying the restrictions

Women will now have to provide an age proof document for visiting Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala, Kerala, where the entry for women between ages 10-50 is banned. The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, passed the order during an ongoing pilgrim session following the increasing number of women devotees trying to trek to the hillock shrine defying the restrictions. "The decision was taken in view of a number of women belonging to the banned age group trying to visit the shrine recently," TDB President A Padmakumar said. Although, this will not be a proper verification. Only the ones suspicious will be asked to show the necessary documents - which could be any ID approved by the government. "Carrying an authentic age proof document will help avoid unnecessary arguments between women pilgrims and the police and Devaswom officials who carry out checks," Padmakumar said. However, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Annie Raja slammed the temple authorities, saying that the directive was a violation of the rights of women to worship. "It is once again denying the rights of women to worship any God. Women were actually demanding entry into the Sabarimala Temple, but it is unfortunate that the temple authorities deny and are now demanding age proof," Raja said. "God does not discriminate between man and woman but these custodians of God are denying the women their rights to worship," she added. (With inputs from ANI)

Age proof mandatory for women to worship at Lord Ayyappa Temple