As the Sabarimala temple is set to open its gate for a special prayer on November 5, Pathanamthitta district collector has decided to impose Section 144 in various parts around the temple.

Section 144 will be imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavunkal from November 4-6.

The authorities will also increase the police presence in the area to avoid the break out of any potential clash.

Clashes between police and protesters broke out when the temple opened its gate for the first time in October since the Supreme Court's ruling.

For centuries, the Sabarimala temple in Kerala has banned women and girls between the age&nbsp;of 10 and 50 from entering the holy site.&nbsp;

Entry to women was restricted even after the apex Court's ruling that allowed women the right to worship in the temple.

The police have arrested over 3500 protesters in connection with the violence that erupted in the state in the wake of the protests last month.

Around 529 cases have also been registered across the state.

As the Sabarimala temple is set to open its gate for a special prayer on November 5, Pathanamthitta district collector has decided to impose Section 144 in various parts around the temple.

As the Sabarimala temple is set to open its gate for a special prayer on November 5, Pathanamthitta district collector has decided to impose Section 144 in various parts around the temple. Section 144 will be imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavunkal from November 4-6. The authorities will also increase the police presence in the area to avoid the break out of any potential clash. Clashes between police and protesters broke out when the temple opened its gate for the first time in October since the Supreme Court's ruling. For centuries, the Sabarimala temple in Kerala has banned women and girls between the age of 10 and 50 from entering the holy site. Entry to women was restricted even after the apex Court's ruling that allowed women the right to worship in the temple. The police have arrested over 3500 protesters in connection with the violence that erupted in the state in the wake of the protests last month. Around 529 cases have also been registered across the state.

Section 144 to be imposed around Sabarimala temple ahead of special prayer

The BJP in Kerala Sunday announced a 'Rath Yatra' to save the customs and traditions of Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, intensifying the agitation against the entry of all women into the shrine, a day after its Chief Amit Shah extended the party's support to devotees.

The yatra under the auspices of NDA would begin on November 8 from Kasargod and culminate at Pathanamthitta on November 13, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai told reporters here.

He said, "The party has decided to continue protests against the arrest of Ayyappa devotees who participated in the agitation over Sabarimala issue."

Shah had Saturday extended party's full support to the agitation of Ayyappa devotees across the state while addressing a function in Kannur.

BJP workers would observe a one-day fast in front of the DGP office in Thiruvananthapuram&nbsp;on October 30.

Attacking the CPI-M led LDF government over its decision to implement the Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the hill temple without considering the sentiments of devotees, Pillai said, "it has become a war between believers and atheists."

Meanwhile, a group of prominent personalities including former ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair and former Travancore Devaswom Board President and KPCC member G Raman Nair joined the BJP in the presence of Amit Shah here Saturday night.

They were given party membership card, BJP said in its facebook post.

Former State DGP T P Senkumar held a meeting with Shah, it said.

Besides, Pandalam Royal family members Sasikumar Varma and Narayana Varma met the BJP Chief and held discussions, it added.

The Ayyappa temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women between October 17-22, following the apex court judgement.

The BJP in Kerala Sunday announced a 'Rath Yatra' to save the customs and traditions of Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, intensifying the agitation against the entry of all women into the shrine, a day after its Chief Amit Shah extended the party's support to devotees.

The BJP in Kerala Sunday announced a 'Rath Yatra' to save the customs and traditions of Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, intensifying the agitation against the entry of all women into the shrine, a day after its Chief Amit Shah extended the party's support to devotees. The yatra under the auspices of NDA would begin on November 8 from Kasargod and culminate at Pathanamthitta on November 13, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai told reporters here. He said, "The party has decided to continue protests against the arrest of Ayyappa devotees who participated in the agitation over Sabarimala issue." Shah had Saturday extended party's full support to the agitation of Ayyappa devotees across the state while addressing a function in Kannur. BJP workers would observe a one-day fast in front of the DGP office in Thiruvananthapuram on October 30. Attacking the CPI-M led LDF government over its decision to implement the Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the hill temple without considering the sentiments of devotees, Pillai said, "it has become a war between believers and atheists." Meanwhile, a group of prominent personalities including former ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair and former Travancore Devaswom Board President and KPCC member G Raman Nair joined the BJP in the presence of Amit Shah here Saturday night. They were given party membership card, BJP said in its facebook post. Former State DGP T P Senkumar held a meeting with Shah, it said. Besides, Pandalam Royal family members Sasikumar Varma and Narayana Varma met the BJP Chief and held discussions, it added. The Ayyappa temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women between October 17-22, following the apex court judgement.

BJP to undertake 'Rath Yatra' to save Sabarimala temple

BJP president Amit Shah, who has pledged his party’s support to devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into Ayyappa temple, has expressed wish to offer prayers at the hill shrine in Sabarimala during the annual pilgrim season starting on November 17, a party leader said Monday. “The BJP president has expressed a desire to visit the Sabarimala temple. But no decision has been taken so far,” a senior Kerala unit BJP leader told PTI in Thiruvananthapuram.

Shah’s wish to trek the hills comes days after he declared BJP’s full support to the agitation by the devotees against CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government’s decision to implement the Supreme Court order lifting the ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group from offering prayers at the shrine.

In a scathing criticism of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for taking action against Sabarimala protesters, Shah last week claimed an “Emergency-like” situation was prevailing in the state and accused the government of “playing with fire”. If the state government does not stop hurting the devotees, BJP workers would be forced to bring it down, Shah said, drawing a strong reaction from Vijayan, who termed the BJP president’s warning an “attack” on the Supreme Court, Constitution and the country’s judicial system.

Police have arrested over 3,500 people till Sunday in connection with the protests that rocked the state earlier this month. A large number of frenzied devotees staying put at the temple complex and base camps had prevented at least a dozen women of menstrual age from entering the temple when it opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22.

Protests were also held in several other parts of Kerala by the devotees, who included a large number of women, seeking to protect the tradition of the shrine whose deity, Lord Ayyappa, is celibate. Intensifying the agitation, the BJP-led NDA Sunday announced a six-day ‘Rath Yatra’ from Kasaragod to Sabarimala from November 8 to save the customs and traditions of the famous temple.

Various other agitation programmes, including a fast in front of the state DGP’s office Thiruvananthapuram, had also been planned. The BJP is apparently seeing the Sabarimala issue as an opportunity to widen its support base in the southern state.

The party has so far failed to make a strong presence in the bi-polar polity in the state, dominated by the LDF and the opposition Congress-headed United Democratic Front (UDF). In 2016 assembly polls, the BJP had scripted history by winning the Nemom seat and garnered 14.65 per cent votes.

BJP president Amit Shah, who has pledged his party’s support to devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into Ayyappa temple, has expressed wish to offer prayers at the hill shrine in Sabarimala during the annual pilgrim season starting on November 17, a party leader said Monday.

BJP president Amit Shah, who has pledged his party’s support to devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into Ayyappa temple, has expressed wish to offer prayers at the hill shrine in Sabarimala during the annual pilgrim season starting on November 17, a party leader said Monday. “The BJP president has expressed a desire to visit the Sabarimala temple. But no decision has been taken so far,” a senior Kerala unit BJP leader told PTI in Thiruvananthapuram. Shah’s wish to trek the hills comes days after he declared BJP’s full support to the agitation by the devotees against CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government’s decision to implement the Supreme Court order lifting the ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group from offering prayers at the shrine. In a scathing criticism of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for taking action against Sabarimala protesters, Shah last week claimed an “Emergency-like” situation was prevailing in the state and accused the government of “playing with fire”. If the state government does not stop hurting the devotees, BJP workers would be forced to bring it down, Shah said, drawing a strong reaction from Vijayan, who termed the BJP president’s warning an “attack” on the Supreme Court, Constitution and the country’s judicial system. Police have arrested over 3,500 people till Sunday in connection with the protests that rocked the state earlier this month. A large number of frenzied devotees staying put at the temple complex and base camps had prevented at least a dozen women of menstrual age from entering the temple when it opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22. Protests were also held in several other parts of Kerala by the devotees, who included a large number of women, seeking to protect the tradition of the shrine whose deity, Lord Ayyappa, is celibate. Intensifying the agitation, the BJP-led NDA Sunday announced a six-day ‘Rath Yatra’ from Kasaragod to Sabarimala from November 8 to save the customs and traditions of the famous temple. Various other agitation programmes, including a fast in front of the state DGP’s office Thiruvananthapuram, had also been planned. The BJP is apparently seeing the Sabarimala issue as an opportunity to widen its support base in the southern state. The party has so far failed to make a strong presence in the bi-polar polity in the state, dominated by the LDF and the opposition Congress-headed United Democratic Front (UDF). In 2016 assembly polls, the BJP had scripted history by winning the Nemom seat and garnered 14.65 per cent votes.

BJP chief Amit Shah likely to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple

As Hindus including myself celebrated Vijayadasami last week, protests were raging against the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala following the Supreme Court verdict that ended restrictions on the entry of females between the age of 10 and 50, approximating to the span when women have menstrual periods.&nbsp;

While I struggled to make sense of the judgment and the protests, I stumbled on an insightful tweet from Cas Mudde, one of the world's finest political scientists, that said, "Main difference in freedom of religion in France and United States: In the US the main aim is to keep the state out of religion. In France, the main aim is to keep religion out of the state. Says a lot about the state's priorities..."

My view is that India is a bit like France and a bit like the US. On the one hand, we have laws against cow slaughter that essentially enforce Hindu beliefs in a multi-religious society, implying a religious intervention in state laws. On the other hand, we have had the Supreme Court verdict declaring women and men as equals in entering the Sabarimala shrine that involves a clear state intervention in matters of religion.

If secularism means the separation of religion from state, we seem to be failing on both counts. But I believe there is a case for state and religion to co-engage to the extent possible to make the country a better place. In that sense, as review petitions pile up before the Supreme Court seeking the restoration of status quo on the ban of women in the Sabarimala temple, I do not take a simplistic view that women should be banned or that they should be allowed into the Sabarimala temple. This is because every religion, be it Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam or Christianity, has essentially three layers: the spiritual, the mystical and the social. It is important to understand the philosophy and principles underlying religious beliefs and not just practices, customs and rituals, for us to arrive at a truly fair middle ground where religion and state can co-exist in harmony.

Some commentators believe that "Law is above faith" but that goes against the spirit of the Constitution that is democratic in character and in which the Right to Worship and Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression are essential features. We also have now the Supreme Court recognising the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right. It is possible to recognise a pilgrimage as an act of collective worship based on common beliefs that need a collective right to privacy in ordained places. A shrine need not be a public property in the sense of a municipal park or a highway to have equal rights to access. In fact, the Supreme Court's privacy ruling also notes that "personal choices governing a way of life are intrinsic to privacy." A religious tradition may be included in that category.

However, it is important to examine the principles underlying belief systems. Just as the police have a right to break into a party where banned drugs may be used, the law has the right to examine privacy and worship to the extent that it sees the nature of the engagement as constitutionally legitimate.&nbsp;

This is where I believe the Supreme Court should have an amicus curiae (friend of the court) that has advisory expertise in religious philosophy so that the honourable judges are guided well on the principles underlying the Sabarimala pilgrimage. It is important here to understand the three aspects of any religious order. If the Oxford dictionary definition of religion is taken, religion is "the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods" as also "a particular system of faith and worship".

Here the spirituality comes from a belief in a supreme being and some noble human values underlying it, such as brotherhood, love, devotion or kindness. That seems common to most leading religions unless we count some rare, controversial faiths.

The social aspect of religion involves material things such as ownership of property, historic practices stemming out of pragmatism and plain habits that may have their roots in ecology or lifestyles.

In between the spiritual and social aspects lie the mystical. The Oxford dictionary defines it as "having a spiritual symbolic or allegorical significance that transcends human understanding". Close to this is the esoteric, defined as "intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialised knowledge or interest."

On the one hand, we can say that in old times, given the arduous trek, pilgrimages were undertaken primarily by men and hence a ban on women can be dismissed as historical and no longer relevant. Manu S Pillai likens the current standoff to the temple entry movement that led to the Maharaja of Travancore allowing Dalits into Hindu shrines in Kerala in 1936 after fierce religious arguments. But Dalit entry seems to have had more to do with an attempt to quell social unrest based on caste discrimination rather than any faith in mystical arguments.

The Supreme Court would do well now to give Hindu groups a fair hearing by invoking experts in esoteric philosophy who also carry credibility not just as scholars but also as practitioners. Modern historians only observe facts and not the underlying principles and tenets (siddhanthas). The court should use its own sense to separate the esoteric and the mystical aspects from the social and give them some space under a right to privacy and worship.

Lord Ayyappa is a special deity who is said to have been born as per an esoteric legend to Lord Shiva as a male and Lord Vishnu taking the temporary form of a "Mohini" (alluring woman) to charm demons (asuras) in order to defeat them. Such a legend involves a deep esoteric meaning on sexuality that can be related closely to the vow of celibacy that pilgrims to Sabarimala undertake during their pilgrimage. The common link has to be explored systematically in terms of the siddhanthas for the court to see if there is room for a private right to worship.

On the other hand, we can interpret the vow of celibacy as an aspect of self-control that men must exercise over their sexuality. The presence of women, in this case, is more to do with the defeat of the demons within the pilgrims who can be charmed or deceived by woman power. In this case, male pilgrims will be enriched by a higher degree of self-control.

Let respected Hindu philosophers become amicus curiae to the Supreme Court to help judges decide on the matter keeping equally in mind the right to private esoterica and gender equality in the public sphere.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/in-sabarimala-case-review-supreme-court-must-hear-out-hindu-scholars-2150370.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

As Hindus including myself celebrated Vijayadasami last week, protests were raging against the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala following the Supreme Court verdict that ended restrictions on the entry of females between the age of 10 and 50, approximating to the span when women have menstrual periods.

As Hindus including myself celebrated Vijayadasami last week, protests were raging against the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala following the Supreme Court verdict that ended restrictions on the entry of females between the age of 10 and 50, approximating to the span when women have menstrual periods. While I struggled to make sense of the judgment and the protests, I stumbled on an insightful tweet from Cas Mudde, one of the world's finest political scientists, that said, "Main difference in freedom of religion in France and United States: In the US the main aim is to keep the state out of religion. In France, the main aim is to keep religion out of the state. Says a lot about the state's priorities..." My view is that India is a bit like France and a bit like the US. On the one hand, we have laws against cow slaughter that essentially enforce Hindu beliefs in a multi-religious society, implying a religious intervention in state laws. On the other hand, we have had the Supreme Court verdict declaring women and men as equals in entering the Sabarimala shrine that involves a clear state intervention in matters of religion. If secularism means the separation of religion from state, we seem to be failing on both counts. But I believe there is a case for state and religion to co-engage to the extent possible to make the country a better place. In that sense, as review petitions pile up before the Supreme Court seeking the restoration of status quo on the ban of women in the Sabarimala temple, I do not take a simplistic view that women should be banned or that they should be allowed into the Sabarimala temple. This is because every religion, be it Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam or Christianity, has essentially three layers: the spiritual, the mystical and the social. It is important to understand the philosophy and principles underlying religious beliefs and not just practices, customs and rituals, for us to arrive at a truly fair middle ground where religion and state can co-exist in harmony. Some commentators believe that "Law is above faith" but that goes against the spirit of the Constitution that is democratic in character and in which the Right to Worship and Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression are essential features. We also have now the Supreme Court recognising the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right. It is possible to recognise a pilgrimage as an act of collective worship based on common beliefs that need a collective right to privacy in ordained places. A shrine need not be a public property in the sense of a municipal park or a highway to have equal rights to access. In fact, the Supreme Court's privacy ruling also notes that "personal choices governing a way of life are intrinsic to privacy." A religious tradition may be included in that category. However, it is important to examine the principles underlying belief systems. Just as the police have a right to break into a party where banned drugs may be used, the law has the right to examine privacy and worship to the extent that it sees the nature of the engagement as constitutionally legitimate. This is where I believe the Supreme Court should have an amicus curiae (friend of the court) that has advisory expertise in religious philosophy so that the honourable judges are guided well on the principles underlying the Sabarimala pilgrimage. It is important here to understand the three aspects of any religious order. If the Oxford dictionary definition of religion is taken, religion is "the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods" as also "a particular system of faith and worship". Here the spirituality comes from a belief in a supreme being and some noble human values underlying it, such as brotherhood, love, devotion or kindness. That seems common to most leading religions unless we count some rare, controversial faiths. The social aspect of religion involves material things such as ownership of property, historic practices stemming out of pragmatism and plain habits that may have their roots in ecology or lifestyles. In between the spiritual and social aspects lie the mystical. The Oxford dictionary defines it as "having a spiritual symbolic or allegorical significance that transcends human understanding". Close to this is the esoteric, defined as "intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialised knowledge or interest." On the one hand, we can say that in old times, given the arduous trek, pilgrimages were undertaken primarily by men and hence a ban on women can be dismissed as historical and no longer relevant. Manu S Pillai likens the current standoff to the temple entry movement that led to the Maharaja of Travancore allowing Dalits into Hindu shrines in Kerala in 1936 after fierce religious arguments. But Dalit entry seems to have had more to do with an attempt to quell social unrest based on caste discrimination rather than any faith in mystical arguments. The Supreme Court would do well now to give Hindu groups a fair hearing by invoking experts in esoteric philosophy who also carry credibility not just as scholars but also as practitioners. Modern historians only observe facts and not the underlying principles and tenets (siddhanthas). The court should use its own sense to separate the esoteric and the mystical aspects from the social and give them some space under a right to privacy and worship. Lord Ayyappa is a special deity who is said to have been born as per an esoteric legend to Lord Shiva as a male and Lord Vishnu taking the temporary form of a "Mohini" (alluring woman) to charm demons (asuras) in order to defeat them. Such a legend involves a deep esoteric meaning on sexuality that can be related closely to the vow of celibacy that pilgrims to Sabarimala undertake during their pilgrimage. The common link has to be explored systematically in terms of the siddhanthas for the court to see if there is room for a private right to worship. On the other hand, we can interpret the vow of celibacy as an aspect of self-control that men must exercise over their sexuality. The presence of women, in this case, is more to do with the defeat of the demons within the pilgrims who can be charmed or deceived by woman power. In this case, male pilgrims will be enriched by a higher degree of self-control. Let respected Hindu philosophers become amicus curiae to the Supreme Court to help judges decide on the matter keeping equally in mind the right to private esoterica and gender equality in the public sphere. (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)

In Sabarimala case review, Supreme Court must hear out Hindu scholars

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that it will hear on November 13 the petitions seeking a review of its earlier verdict that allowed entry of women of all age groups in Sabarimala Temple.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S.K. Kaul said the court is aware of the 19 petitions submitted seeking review of the judgment and has listed the hearing for November 13.&nbsp;

A five-judge constitution bench by a ratio of 4:1 had held that women of all age groups should be allowed entry in Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple.

The doors to Sabarimala temple closed Monday night, six days after opening for the first time since the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age, but climbing the 18 "sacred steps" leading to the sanctum sanctorum proved a tall order for them.

The temple will open briefly on November 5 evening for the next day's 'Chithira Attavisesham' to celebrate the birth anniversary of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last king of Travancore.

The doors of the shrine will open on November 17 for the three-month-long Mandalam Makaravilakku celebrations when lakhs of devotees from the country and abroad visit the place every year.

If the Supreme Court does not stay or overturn its own verdict by then, enforcing its historic order may prove to be a daunting task for the Kerala government.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that it will hear on November 13 the petitions seeking a review of its earlier verdict that allowed entry of women of all age groups in Sabarimala Temple.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that it will hear on November 13 the petitions seeking a review of its earlier verdict that allowed entry of women of all age groups in Sabarimala Temple. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S.K. Kaul said the court is aware of the 19 petitions submitted seeking review of the judgment and has listed the hearing for November 13. A five-judge constitution bench by a ratio of 4:1 had held that women of all age groups should be allowed entry in Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple. The doors to Sabarimala temple closed Monday night, six days after opening for the first time since the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age, but climbing the 18 "sacred steps" leading to the sanctum sanctorum proved a tall order for them. The temple will open briefly on November 5 evening for the next day's 'Chithira Attavisesham' to celebrate the birth anniversary of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last king of Travancore. The doors of the shrine will open on November 17 for the three-month-long Mandalam Makaravilakku celebrations when lakhs of devotees from the country and abroad visit the place every year. If the Supreme Court does not stay or overturn its own verdict by then, enforcing its historic order may prove to be a daunting task for the Kerala government. (With inputs from PTI)

Sabarimala temple verdict: Supreme Court to hear review petitions on November 13

Amid protests against the Supreme Court order opening the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the right to pray did not mean the right to desecrate.

On September 28, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Women have been stopped by Ayyappa devotees from climbing up to the Sabarimala temple as protests against the Supreme Court order opening the hilltop shrine to women of all ages continued across Kerala.

"I am nobody to speak against the Supreme Court verdict as I am a serving cabinet minister. But just plain common sense is that would you carry a napkin seeped with menstrual blood and walk into a friend's house. You would not.

"And would you think it is respectful to do the same when you walk into the house of god That is the difference. I have the right to pray, but no right to desecrate. That is the difference that we need to recognise and respect," Irani said.

The Union textile minister was speaking at the "Young Thinkers" conference organised by the British High Commission and the Observer Research Foundation here.

"I am a practising Hindu married to a Zoroastrian. I have ensured that both my kids are practising Zoroastrians, who can go to the fire temple and pray," she said.

Irani recalled that when her children were inside the fire temple, she had to stand outside on the road or sit in the car.

"When I took my newborn son (to the fire temple), I would give him at the (temple) entrance to my husband and wait outside, because I was shooed away and told not to stand there," she said.&nbsp;

Amid protests against the Supreme Court order opening the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the right to pray did not mean the right to desecrate.

Amid protests against the Supreme Court order opening the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the right to pray did not mean the right to desecrate. On September 28, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Women have been stopped by Ayyappa devotees from climbing up to the Sabarimala temple as protests against the Supreme Court order opening the hilltop shrine to women of all ages continued across Kerala. "I am nobody to speak against the Supreme Court verdict as I am a serving cabinet minister. But just plain common sense is that would you carry a napkin seeped with menstrual blood and walk into a friend's house. You would not. "And would you think it is respectful to do the same when you walk into the house of god That is the difference. I have the right to pray, but no right to desecrate. That is the difference that we need to recognise and respect," Irani said. The Union textile minister was speaking at the "Young Thinkers" conference organised by the British High Commission and the Observer Research Foundation here. "I am a practising Hindu married to a Zoroastrian. I have ensured that both my kids are practising Zoroastrians, who can go to the fire temple and pray," she said. Irani recalled that when her children were inside the fire temple, she had to stand outside on the road or sit in the car. "When I took my newborn son (to the fire temple), I would give him at the (temple) entrance to my husband and wait outside, because I was shooed away and told not to stand there," she said.

Right to pray, but no right to desecrate: Smriti Irani on Sabarimala

Supreme court accepts Sabarimala Review pleas

The Sabarimala temple row does not seem to end. As many as 19 review petitions have been filed challenging the Supreme Court verdict which had allowed menstruating women to enter the shrine of Lord Ayyappa inside the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.&nbsp;

Earlier a five-judge bench had delivered a judgment in which they allowed women of all ages to enter the temple.

However, the judgment has caused massive unrest in the state as conservative factions have expressed anger as the custom of not allowing menstruating women to enter is essential to maintaining the sanctity of the temple.&nbsp;

The Devasom board which manages the Sabarimala temple has filed a review petition asking the top court to review its judgment.

CJI Ranjan Gogoi led bench heard the urgent mentioning today and asked the petitioners to wait till tomorrow. The apex court will decide tomorrow as to when can all 19 review petitions be heard.

The Sabarimala temple row does not seem to end. As many as 19 review petitions have been filed challenging the Supreme Court verdict which had allowed menstruating women to enter the shrine of Lord Ayyappa inside the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

The Sabarimala temple row does not seem to end. As many as 19 review petitions have been filed challenging the Supreme Court verdict which had allowed menstruating women to enter the shrine of Lord Ayyappa inside the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Earlier a five-judge bench had delivered a judgment in which they allowed women of all ages to enter the temple. However, the judgment has caused massive unrest in the state as conservative factions have expressed anger as the custom of not allowing menstruating women to enter is essential to maintaining the sanctity of the temple. The Devasom board which manages the Sabarimala temple has filed a review petition asking the top court to review its judgment. CJI Ranjan Gogoi led bench heard the urgent mentioning today and asked the petitioners to wait till tomorrow. The apex court will decide tomorrow as to when can all 19 review petitions be heard.

Sabarimala Temple verdict: SC to decide date for hearing review petitions on Tuesday

Six women were prevented from the entering the Sabarimala temple Sunday by a large number of devotees of Lord Ayyappa as the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the famous hill shrine continued for the fifth day.

Amid high drama, the devotees, up in arms against implementation of the Supreme Court order lifting ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group, chanting Ayyappa mantras blocked the six, all Telugu-speaking women, from reaching the famed shrine.

Sunday is the fifth day since the temple gates were opened for the monthly puja after the apex court last month lifted the centuries-old ban.

A heavy flow of pilgrims was witnessed at the temple despite intermittent downpour lashing the hills and Pamba.

Though attempts had been made by some young women, including an activist, to enter the temple of the 'Naishtik Brahmachari', the eternally celibate deity, since Wednesday, the devotees backed by priests have stood their ground, saying they would not allow the tradition to be breached.

By all available indications, not a single woman in the age group of 10 and 50 has so far reached the temple which will close Monday at the end of the monthly puja.

According to police sources here, 12 women in the 10-50 age group have so far been prevented from offering worship at the temple, since it opened for the monthly pooja.

BJP demanded a special assembly session to seek the Centre's intervention, while Congress sought an ordinance by the NDA government.

The Pandalam royal family, the traditional custodian of the Sabarimala temple, alleged the CPI(M)-led LDF government was trying to destroy sanctity of the shrine of the "Naishtik Brahmachari" by taking women in the menstrual age group there.

On Sunday, a 47-year old woman reached up to the 'Nadappandhal' close to the sanctum sanctorum, but was prevented by the devotees chanting "Swamiye Saranam Ayyapa" while five others were stopped enroute to the hills.

The woman, who complained of uneasiness, was brought to a hospital here by the police.

A elderly woman devotee who was present at the spot said as the identity card of the woman showed she was born in 1971 and had not attained the 'permissible age", the other devotees started chanting Sarana mantra.

Earlier, the protesters prevented two women, in their 40s, at the foothills itself. The women were accompanied by their relatives.

The police, who took the women to the safety, said the two informed them that they came to Sabarimala without knowing the customs of the temple.

After the women were brought Nilackal, the base camp, they gave in writing to the police that they did not want to break the centuries-old custom of the temple, sources said.

Amid mounting protest in the state against the Supreme Court order, BJP Sunday urged the Kerala government to convene a session of the assembly and pass a resolution seeking the centre's intervention to overcome the crisis.

BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai claimed even CPI(M) members in the state were opposing the bid to break the custom of the ancient shrine, which draws lakhs of devotees from across the country, especially from southern states.

A small group of BJP leaders was arrested for violating ban orders in force under Section 144 of the CrPC at Nilackal, a key entry point to Sabarimala.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Ramesh Chennithala of Congress urged the Centre to bring an ordinance to overcome the Supreme Court verdict.

CPI(M) politburo member S Ramachandran Pillai claimed the devotees opposing the apex court verdict were in a minority and they did not have the support of the entire Kerala society.

He supported the implementation of the court verdict on Sabarimala.

Meanwhile, the Sabarimala Karma Samithi intensified its agitation against the CPI(M)-led government's "hasty" move to implement the court order.

Thousands of people participated in the "namajapa yatra" (protest march chanting Ayyappa mantra) to police stations across the southern state against alleged police action on the samithi activists near Sabarimala last week.

Hundreds of women participated in a protest march held in Erumeli, a key pilgrim centre connected with Sabarimala.

State police chief Loknath Behera said the police will conduct a review of the alleged police lapses while handling the issues related to Sabarimala after the doors of the shrine close on Monday.

He said the Sabarimala annual pilgrim season beginning next month was going to be a challenging one for them.

A Dalit woman activist, who was planning to visit the Sabarimala shrine Saturday, had put her plans on hold and left Pamba following heavy rain.

In another development, activist Rehana Fathima, who had made an attempt to enter the temple on Friday, has been expelled from the Muslim community for "hurting the sentiments of lakhs of Hindu devotees", the Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council said.

The state has been witnessing massive protests by Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple since the government decided to implement the apex court order.

Six women were prevented from the entering the Sabarimala temple Sunday by a large number of devotees of Lord Ayyappa as the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the famous hill shrine continued for the fifth day.

Six women were prevented from the entering the Sabarimala temple Sunday by a large number of devotees of Lord Ayyappa as the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the famous hill shrine continued for the fifth day. Amid high drama, the devotees, up in arms against implementation of the Supreme Court order lifting ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group, chanting Ayyappa mantras blocked the six, all Telugu-speaking women, from reaching the famed shrine. Sunday is the fifth day since the temple gates were opened for the monthly puja after the apex court last month lifted the centuries-old ban. A heavy flow of pilgrims was witnessed at the temple despite intermittent downpour lashing the hills and Pamba. Though attempts had been made by some young women, including an activist, to enter the temple of the 'Naishtik Brahmachari', the eternally celibate deity, since Wednesday, the devotees backed by priests have stood their ground, saying they would not allow the tradition to be breached. By all available indications, not a single woman in the age group of 10 and 50 has so far reached the temple which will close Monday at the end of the monthly puja. According to police sources here, 12 women in the 10-50 age group have so far been prevented from offering worship at the temple, since it opened for the monthly pooja. BJP demanded a special assembly session to seek the Centre's intervention, while Congress sought an ordinance by the NDA government. The Pandalam royal family, the traditional custodian of the Sabarimala temple, alleged the CPI(M)-led LDF government was trying to destroy sanctity of the shrine of the "Naishtik Brahmachari" by taking women in the menstrual age group there. On Sunday, a 47-year old woman reached up to the 'Nadappandhal' close to the sanctum sanctorum, but was prevented by the devotees chanting "Swamiye Saranam Ayyapa" while five others were stopped enroute to the hills. The woman, who complained of uneasiness, was brought to a hospital here by the police. A elderly woman devotee who was present at the spot said as the identity card of the woman showed she was born in 1971 and had not attained the 'permissible age", the other devotees started chanting Sarana mantra. Earlier, the protesters prevented two women, in their 40s, at the foothills itself. The women were accompanied by their relatives. The police, who took the women to the safety, said the two informed them that they came to Sabarimala without knowing the customs of the temple. After the women were brought Nilackal, the base camp, they gave in writing to the police that they did not want to break the centuries-old custom of the temple, sources said. Amid mounting protest in the state against the Supreme Court order, BJP Sunday urged the Kerala government to convene a session of the assembly and pass a resolution seeking the centre's intervention to overcome the crisis. BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai claimed even CPI(M) members in the state were opposing the bid to break the custom of the ancient shrine, which draws lakhs of devotees from across the country, especially from southern states. A small group of BJP leaders was arrested for violating ban orders in force under Section 144 of the CrPC at Nilackal, a key entry point to Sabarimala. Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Ramesh Chennithala of Congress urged the Centre to bring an ordinance to overcome the Supreme Court verdict. CPI(M) politburo member S Ramachandran Pillai claimed the devotees opposing the apex court verdict were in a minority and they did not have the support of the entire Kerala society. He supported the implementation of the court verdict on Sabarimala. Meanwhile, the Sabarimala Karma Samithi intensified its agitation against the CPI(M)-led government's "hasty" move to implement the court order. Thousands of people participated in the "namajapa yatra" (protest march chanting Ayyappa mantra) to police stations across the southern state against alleged police action on the samithi activists near Sabarimala last week. Hundreds of women participated in a protest march held in Erumeli, a key pilgrim centre connected with Sabarimala. State police chief Loknath Behera said the police will conduct a review of the alleged police lapses while handling the issues related to Sabarimala after the doors of the shrine close on Monday. He said the Sabarimala annual pilgrim season beginning next month was going to be a challenging one for them. A Dalit woman activist, who was planning to visit the Sabarimala shrine Saturday, had put her plans on hold and left Pamba following heavy rain. In another development, activist Rehana Fathima, who had made an attempt to enter the temple on Friday, has been expelled from the Muslim community for "hurting the sentiments of lakhs of Hindu devotees", the Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council said. The state has been witnessing massive protests by Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple since the government decided to implement the apex court order.

On Day 5, six women stopped from reaching Sabarimala

Activist Rehana Fathima, who had made an attempt to enter Sabarimala temple, has been expelled from the Muslim community for "hurting the sentiments of lakhs of Hindu devotees", the Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council said.

Initiating action against Rehana, Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council president A Poonkunju said in a press statement Saturday that she had been expelled from the community.

He said the Council has also directed the Ernakulam Central Muslim Jama'ath to expel her and her family from the membership of Mahallu. 
"Her act hurt lakhs of Hindu devotees," the statement said.&nbsp;

Her act was also against the rituals of Hindu community, it said.

Pookunju said Rehana, who had participated in 'Kiss of Love' agitation and acted nude in a film, "has no right to use a Muslim name".

The activist's house was allegedly vandalised by unidentified persons while she was away trying to climb the holy hills on Friday.

She made a failed attempt to reach the temple with heavy police protection.

The attackers reached Rehana's house in Panambilly Nagar here while she was climbing the hills.

Rehana, a model and activist who was part of the 'Kiss of Love' movement in Kochi in 2014 against alleged moral policing, was among the two women who had reached the hilltop, but had to return before reaching the sanctum sanctorum following massive protests by Ayyappa devotees.

Rehana and Hyderabad-based journalist Kavitha were taken to the hills with heavy police protection.

A mother of two and employee of the BSNL, the activist had kicked up a row last year by posing for topless photos with watermelons in protest against a Kozhikode-based college professor's statement comparing women's breasts to watermelons.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered by police in Pathanamthitta against the activist for hurting religious sentiments.

The case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by one Radhakrishna Menon.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra had lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine, but a section of devotees is protesting the decision.&nbsp;

Activist Rehana Fathima, who had made an attempt to enter Sabarimala temple, has been expelled from the Muslim community for "hurting the sentiments of lakhs of Hindu devotees", the Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council said.

Activist Rehana Fathima, who had made an attempt to enter Sabarimala temple, has been expelled from the Muslim community for "hurting the sentiments of lakhs of Hindu devotees", the Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council said. Initiating action against Rehana, Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council president A Poonkunju said in a press statement Saturday that she had been expelled from the community. He said the Council has also directed the Ernakulam Central Muslim Jama'ath to expel her and her family from the membership of Mahallu. "Her act hurt lakhs of Hindu devotees," the statement said. Her act was also against the rituals of Hindu community, it said. Pookunju said Rehana, who had participated in 'Kiss of Love' agitation and acted nude in a film, "has no right to use a Muslim name". The activist's house was allegedly vandalised by unidentified persons while she was away trying to climb the holy hills on Friday. She made a failed attempt to reach the temple with heavy police protection. The attackers reached Rehana's house in Panambilly Nagar here while she was climbing the hills. Rehana, a model and activist who was part of the 'Kiss of Love' movement in Kochi in 2014 against alleged moral policing, was among the two women who had reached the hilltop, but had to return before reaching the sanctum sanctorum following massive protests by Ayyappa devotees. Rehana and Hyderabad-based journalist Kavitha were taken to the hills with heavy police protection. A mother of two and employee of the BSNL, the activist had kicked up a row last year by posing for topless photos with watermelons in protest against a Kozhikode-based college professor's statement comparing women's breasts to watermelons. Meanwhile, a case has been registered by police in Pathanamthitta against the activist for hurting religious sentiments. The case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by one Radhakrishna Menon. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra had lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine, but a section of devotees is protesting the decision.

Sabarimala: Activist Rehana expelled from Muslim community

A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter&nbsp;the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said.

Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years.

She was stopped just as she was about to climb the hallowed 18 steps leading to the temple.&nbsp;

52-year-old Latha&nbsp;was later allowed to enter the temple after the intervention of state BJP leader K. Surendran and others.

No woman has been allowed an entry into the temple till now despite the apex court's September 28 decision which puts a ban on the centuries-old practice that barred women of menstrual age (10-50 years) from entering the hill temple

High drama unfolded at the Sabarimala temple today after a&nbsp;38-year-old woman, Manju, arrived at the sanctum to&nbsp;start trekking the&nbsp;last 5-km to the shrine.

She, however,&nbsp;later cancelled her plans due to rains and has decided to begin her trek tomorrow.

Manju&nbsp;who is the President of the Kerala Dalit Mahila Federation had requested the senior police officials to facilitate her pilgrimage to the temple in the light of the Supreme Court&nbsp;verdict.

Despite the police officials cautioning, the woman did not retreat and was firm on undertaking the trek.

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A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said. Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years.

A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said. Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years. She was stopped just as she was about to climb the hallowed 18 steps leading to the temple. 52-year-old Latha was later allowed to enter the temple after the intervention of state BJP leader K. Surendran and others. No woman has been allowed an entry into the temple till now despite the apex court's September 28 decision which puts a ban on the centuries-old practice that barred women of menstrual age (10-50 years) from entering the hill temple High drama unfolded at the Sabarimala temple today after a 38-year-old woman, Manju, arrived at the sanctum to start trekking the last 5-km to the shrine. She, however, later cancelled her plans due to rains and has decided to begin her trek tomorrow. Manju who is the President of the Kerala Dalit Mahila Federation had requested the senior police officials to facilitate her pilgrimage to the temple in the light of the Supreme Court verdict. Despite the police officials cautioning, the woman did not retreat and was firm on undertaking the trek.

52 year old woman allowed inside Sabarimala temple after initial protests

Women's rights activist Trupti Desai, who had threatened to block Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy at Shirdi town in Maharashtra, was detained by police here Friday morning, reported news agency ANI.

Desai, president of Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, has been batting for women's entry into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

She said that she wrote a letter to SP Ahmednagar yesterday demanding to meet PM Modi to discuss Sabrimala temple issue ahead of his Shirdi visit today. She had also threatened to stop his convoy if he doesn't meet.

Police detained Desai when she was about to leave for Shirdi today morning.&nbsp;

"Today, before she could leave Pune for Shirdi (in neighbouring Ahmednagar district), officials from Sahakarnagar police station took her into preventive custody," a senior police official said.

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Pune: Activist Trupti Desai detained by police, earlier this morning. She wrote a letter to SP Ahmednagar y’day demanding to meet PM Modi to discuss <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabrimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabrimalaTemple</a> issue ahead of his Shirdi visit today. She had also threatened to stop his convoy if he doesn't meet. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/PtEcWfW0KS">pic.twitter.com/PtEcWfW0KS</a>
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"She was taken into police custody early in the morning as she had threatened to disrupt PM's visit in Shirdi," the official said adding that she has been currently kept under detention at Sahakar Nagar police station.

Desai said that it is her constitutional right to protest and alleged that she was stopped at her home.&nbsp;

''It is an attempt to suppress our voice,'' she said.&nbsp;

Modi is on a visit to Shirdi on Friday, where he is set to take part in functions to mark the conclusion of the year-long Saibaba Samadhi centenary programme organised by the Sai temple trust. He will also hand over keys of houses to some beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

A few days back, Desai had sought a meeting with the PM in Shirdi to discuss the Sabarimala issue and warned that if she was not allowed to meet him, her outfit would block his convoy.

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Police force was already here today morning when we were about to leave for Shirdi. It is wrong. It is our Constitutional right to protest. We are being stopped at home only. It is an attempt to suppress our voice through Modi ji: Activist Trupti Desai on being detained by police <a href="https://t.co/n8NJXBhqGR">pic.twitter.com/n8NJXBhqGR</a>
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Women's rights activist Trupti Desai, who had threatened to block Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy at Shirdi town in Maharashtra, was detained by police here Friday morning, reported news agency ANI.

Women's rights activist Trupti Desai, who had threatened to block Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy at Shirdi town in Maharashtra, was detained by police here Friday morning, reported news agency ANI. Desai, president of Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, has been batting for women's entry into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. She said that she wrote a letter to SP Ahmednagar yesterday demanding to meet PM Modi to discuss Sabrimala temple issue ahead of his Shirdi visit today. She had also threatened to stop his convoy if he doesn't meet. Police detained Desai when she was about to leave for Shirdi today morning. "Today, before she could leave Pune for Shirdi (in neighbouring Ahmednagar district), officials from Sahakarnagar police station took her into preventive custody," a senior police official said. Pune: Activist Trupti Desai detained by police, earlier this morning. She wrote a letter to SP Ahmednagar y’day demanding to meet PM Modi to discuss #SabrimalaTemple issue ahead of his Shirdi visit today. She had also threatened to stop his convoy if he doesn't meet. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/PtEcWfW0KS — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × "She was taken into police custody early in the morning as she had threatened to disrupt PM's visit in Shirdi," the official said adding that she has been currently kept under detention at Sahakar Nagar police station. Desai said that it is her constitutional right to protest and alleged that she was stopped at her home. ''It is an attempt to suppress our voice,'' she said. Modi is on a visit to Shirdi on Friday, where he is set to take part in functions to mark the conclusion of the year-long Saibaba Samadhi centenary programme organised by the Sai temple trust. He will also hand over keys of houses to some beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). A few days back, Desai had sought a meeting with the PM in Shirdi to discuss the Sabarimala issue and warned that if she was not allowed to meet him, her outfit would block his convoy. Police force was already here today morning when we were about to leave for Shirdi. It is wrong. It is our Constitutional right to protest. We are being stopped at home only. It is an attempt to suppress our voice through Modi ji: Activist Trupti Desai on being detained by police pic.twitter.com/n8NJXBhqGR — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 ×

Activist supporting women's entry into Sabarimala detained ahead of PM's Shirdi visit

WION Gravitas: Chief priest threatened to shut down Sabarimala temple

Unidentified miscreants on Friday allegedly vandalised the house of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/activist-supporting-womens-entry-into-sabarimala-detained-ahead-of-pms-shirdi-visit-172264">woman activist </a>Rehana Fatima who had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/woman-journalist-begins-climbing-sabarimala-hill-to-fulfill-her-professional-duty-172221">unsuccessfully attempted to enter Sabarimala Temple</a> in the state.

Fatima had gone up to the Lord Ayyappa shrine, along with journalist Kavitha Jakkal, this morning under police protection.

Both retreated midway after a meeting with Kerala Inspector General of Police (IGP) S. Sreejith.

Fatima, who had to return without going to the shrine, claimed that people who want to disrupt peace, not devotees, had stopped them from visiting the shrine. She told reporters here after her return, "People, not the devotees, who want to disrupt peace didn`t allow us to enter. I want to know what was the reason (to stop us)? Tell me, in which way one needs to be a devotee? You tell me that first and then I will tell you if I am a devotee or not".

"I don`t know what happened to my children. My life is also in danger. But they (police) have said that they will provide protection. That is why I am going back," she added.

Jakkal, who was stopped 500 metres from the holy 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum of the famous shrine, on her return said, "Thank you so much for supporting us. We are feeling proud to come here. You have seen what kind of dangerous situation we have faced."

Both Fatima and Jakkal were escorted back to Pamba by the police.The two women who were en route to the Sabarimala Temple agreed to return after the temple head priest (Tantri) Kandararu Rajeevaru threatened to shut down the temple if they attempted to force their way in.

Meanwhile, Mary Sweety, a 46-year-old woman, returned midway after she was stopped by the protesters at Pamba. She has currently been taken to a police control room.

Two days after the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala opened its doors for the first time for females of all age group, as per the Supreme Court verdict pronounced on September 28, no woman of menstrual age has yet been able to visit the shrine because of continuous protests.

Earlier in the day, a number of devotees had gathered to block the entry of women trekking up to the hill shrine.

Places around the temple such as Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam and Elavungal have witnessed the majority of the violent protests since the doors of the shrine reopened on Wednesday.

Protesters had allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp.

The police were forced to lathi-charge the protesters as they resorted to stone pelting.

Elderly women were seen entering the temple on Wednesday evening, but women between 10 to 50 years of age refrained from visiting the shrine for the sake of their own safety.

Owing to the protests and violence, Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than four people) has been imposed in Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavungal.

The temple opened on Wednesday at 5 pm, and it will close on October 22.

Unidentified miscreants on Friday allegedly vandalised the house of woman activist Rehana Fatima who had unsuccessfully attempted to enter Sabarimala Temple in the state.

Unidentified miscreants on Friday allegedly vandalised the house of woman activist Rehana Fatima who had unsuccessfully attempted to enter Sabarimala Temple in the state. Fatima had gone up to the Lord Ayyappa shrine, along with journalist Kavitha Jakkal, this morning under police protection. Both retreated midway after a meeting with Kerala Inspector General of Police (IGP) S. Sreejith. Fatima, who had to return without going to the shrine, claimed that people who want to disrupt peace, not devotees, had stopped them from visiting the shrine. She told reporters here after her return, "People, not the devotees, who want to disrupt peace didn`t allow us to enter. I want to know what was the reason (to stop us)? Tell me, in which way one needs to be a devotee? You tell me that first and then I will tell you if I am a devotee or not". "I don`t know what happened to my children. My life is also in danger. But they (police) have said that they will provide protection. That is why I am going back," she added. Jakkal, who was stopped 500 metres from the holy 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum of the famous shrine, on her return said, "Thank you so much for supporting us. We are feeling proud to come here. You have seen what kind of dangerous situation we have faced." Both Fatima and Jakkal were escorted back to Pamba by the police.The two women who were en route to the Sabarimala Temple agreed to return after the temple head priest (Tantri) Kandararu Rajeevaru threatened to shut down the temple if they attempted to force their way in. Meanwhile, Mary Sweety, a 46-year-old woman, returned midway after she was stopped by the protesters at Pamba. She has currently been taken to a police control room. Two days after the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala opened its doors for the first time for females of all age group, as per the Supreme Court verdict pronounced on September 28, no woman of menstrual age has yet been able to visit the shrine because of continuous protests. Earlier in the day, a number of devotees had gathered to block the entry of women trekking up to the hill shrine. Places around the temple such as Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam and Elavungal have witnessed the majority of the violent protests since the doors of the shrine reopened on Wednesday. Protesters had allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp. The police were forced to lathi-charge the protesters as they resorted to stone pelting. Elderly women were seen entering the temple on Wednesday evening, but women between 10 to 50 years of age refrained from visiting the shrine for the sake of their own safety. Owing to the protests and violence, Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than four people) has been imposed in Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavungal. The temple opened on Wednesday at 5 pm, and it will close on October 22.

Sabarimala row: Unidentified miscreants vandalise activist's house

The two women who tried to enter the Sabarimala temple decided not to carry on their journey with protesters stopping them on the way even as heavy security was deployed in the temple area.

Kerala Inspector General said: "We have told the female devotees about the situation, they will now be going back. So we are pulling pack. They have decided to return."

The women were reportedly 500 meters from the golden steps to the temple.

Preist Kandararu Rajeevaru said: "We have decided to lock the temple and handover the keys and leave. I stand with the devotees."&nbsp;

"I do not have any other option," the priest added.

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Pathanamthitta: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima move to the office where the two have been called by Inspector General S Sreejith. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/F4xFZieWOI">pic.twitter.com/F4xFZieWOI</a>
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A Hyderabad-based woman journalist named&nbsp;Kavitha Jakkal and a woman activist&nbsp;Rehana Fatima had begun their walk&nbsp;towards Sabarimala temple on Friday morning while the&nbsp;woman journalist reportedly said&nbsp;that she was going to Sabarimala Sannidhanam to carry out her "professional duty".

Police had thrown a security ring around the two women who had requested security to go to Sabarimala Sannidhanam, reported news agency ANI.

Protesters&nbsp;surrounded the temple as the two women made their way towards the temple. The women&nbsp;would have become the first from the menstruating age group&nbsp;to visit the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa after the Supreme Court order permitted women of all age groups to enter the shrine.&nbsp;

The journalist accompanied by her male colleague, a foreigner, had descended the hills from Marakkoottam area in the face of mounting protests.

A case has been registered against devotees who allegedly prevented her trekking and forced her to climb down the hills.

A New Delhi-based woman journalist was stopped midway by devotees opposing the entry of women of menstrual age into the hill shrine on Thursday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima are en-route to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. <a href="https://t.co/IADqXgEJZJ">pic.twitter.com/IADqXgEJZJ</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV, being escorted by police from Pamba to Sannidhanam. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/6lwDGStDTw">pic.twitter.com/6lwDGStDTw</a>
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&nbsp;

The two women who tried to enter the Sabarimala temple decided not to carry on their journey with protesters stopping them on the way even as heavy security was deployed in the temple area.

The two women who tried to enter the Sabarimala temple decided not to carry on their journey with protesters stopping them on the way even as heavy security was deployed in the temple area. Kerala Inspector General said: "We have told the female devotees about the situation, they will now be going back. So we are pulling pack. They have decided to return." The women were reportedly 500 meters from the golden steps to the temple. Preist Kandararu Rajeevaru said: "We have decided to lock the temple and handover the keys and leave. I stand with the devotees." "I do not have any other option," the priest added. Pathanamthitta: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima move to the office where the two have been called by Inspector General S Sreejith. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/F4xFZieWOI — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × A Hyderabad-based woman journalist named Kavitha Jakkal and a woman activist Rehana Fatima had begun their walk towards Sabarimala temple on Friday morning while the woman journalist reportedly said that she was going to Sabarimala Sannidhanam to carry out her "professional duty". Police had thrown a security ring around the two women who had requested security to go to Sabarimala Sannidhanam, reported news agency ANI. Protesters surrounded the temple as the two women made their way towards the temple. The women would have become the first from the menstruating age group to visit the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa after the Supreme Court order permitted women of all age groups to enter the shrine. The journalist accompanied by her male colleague, a foreigner, had descended the hills from Marakkoottam area in the face of mounting protests. A case has been registered against devotees who allegedly prevented her trekking and forced her to climb down the hills. A New Delhi-based woman journalist was stopped midway by devotees opposing the entry of women of menstrual age into the hill shrine on Thursday. #Kerala: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima are en-route to the #SabarimalaTemple. pic.twitter.com/IADqXgEJZJ — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × #Kerala: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV, being escorted by police from Pamba to Sannidhanam. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/6lwDGStDTw — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × ×

Both women decide not to enter Sabrimala temple amid protests; priest decides to shut premises and leave

Amid the kerfuffle over the Supreme Court's verdict to allow menstruating women to worship at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, the head priest of &nbsp;Sabarimala Temple on Thursday said that ''so many devotees still want the old custom to be maintained''.&nbsp;

Supreme Court thinks only about the law of the land, not about the customs and traditions, he was quoted as saying according to news agency ANI.

''So many devotees still want the old custom to be maintained. I have only one opinion, which is based on the old custom and tradition,'' Kandararu Rajeevaru, Sabarimala Temple head priest, said.

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Supreme Court thinks only about the law of the land, not about the customs &amp; traditions. So many devotees still want that the old custom should be maintained. I have only one opinion, which is based on the old custom &amp; tradition: Kandararu Rajeevaru, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> head priest <a href="https://t.co/zWGUw1ZETy">pic.twitter.com/zWGUw1ZETy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052806877954940933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Stating that most of the devotees are desperate after SC verdict, he said It's a dangerous situation.&nbsp;

''It's my request that please maintain system and custom of&nbsp; Sabarimala Temple. I don't agree with violence. It hasn't been done by devotees but by others,'' Rajeevaru reportedly told ANI.

Earlier, journalist Suhasini Raj reportedly working with New York Times, &nbsp;returned midway after being stopped by protesters.

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It's a dangerous situation. Most of the devotees are desparate after SC verdict. It's my request that please maintain system&amp;custom of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. I don't agree with violence. It hasn't been done by devotees but by others: Kandararu Rajeevaru, Sabarimala Temple head priest <a href="https://t.co/8JhKe0pGuw">pic.twitter.com/8JhKe0pGuw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052806873932533760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Commenting on the development, IGP Thiruvananthapuram range said they will give protection to everybody going up.&nbsp;

''It's our job to give protection to all pilgrims. We'll put more manpower and secure all routes. She(journalist Suhasini Raj reportedly working with New York Times)wasn't forced to come back, she came back,'' he added.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Journalist Suhasini Raj reportedly working with New York Times, on her way to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>, returned midway after being stopped by protesters today. <a href="https://t.co/D5bh5a1kNv">pic.twitter.com/D5bh5a1kNv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052799694102044674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Amid the kerfuffle over the Supreme Court's verdict to allow menstruating women to worship at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, the head priest of Sabarimala Temple on Thursday said that ''so many devotees still want the old custom to be maintained''.

Amid the kerfuffle over the Supreme Court's verdict to allow menstruating women to worship at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, the head priest of Sabarimala Temple on Thursday said that ''so many devotees still want the old custom to be maintained''. Supreme Court thinks only about the law of the land, not about the customs and traditions, he was quoted as saying according to news agency ANI. ''So many devotees still want the old custom to be maintained. I have only one opinion, which is based on the old custom and tradition,'' Kandararu Rajeevaru, Sabarimala Temple head priest, said. Supreme Court thinks only about the law of the land, not about the customs & traditions. So many devotees still want that the old custom should be maintained. I have only one opinion, which is based on the old custom & tradition: Kandararu Rajeevaru, #SabarimalaTemple head priest pic.twitter.com/zWGUw1ZETy — ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2018 × Stating that most of the devotees are desperate after SC verdict, he said It's a dangerous situation. ''It's my request that please maintain system and custom of Sabarimala Temple. I don't agree with violence. It hasn't been done by devotees but by others,'' Rajeevaru reportedly told ANI. Earlier, journalist Suhasini Raj reportedly working with New York Times, returned midway after being stopped by protesters. It's a dangerous situation. Most of the devotees are desparate after SC verdict. It's my request that please maintain system&custom of #SabarimalaTemple. I don't agree with violence. It hasn't been done by devotees but by others: Kandararu Rajeevaru, Sabarimala Temple head priest pic.twitter.com/8JhKe0pGuw — ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2018 × Commenting on the development, IGP Thiruvananthapuram range said they will give protection to everybody going up. ''It's our job to give protection to all pilgrims. We'll put more manpower and secure all routes. She(journalist Suhasini Raj reportedly working with New York Times)wasn't forced to come back, she came back,'' he added. #Visuals from #Kerala: Journalist Suhasini Raj reportedly working with New York Times, on her way to #SabarimalaTemple, returned midway after being stopped by protesters today. pic.twitter.com/D5bh5a1kNv — ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2018 ×

Many devotees want 'old custom' to be maintained: Sabarimala Temple head priest

It is strange, if not unholy, that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which runs the Sabarimala shrine of Lord Ayyappa, resists implementing the Supreme Court’s order on allowing entry to women of all ages but has no qualms whatsoever in being dictated to by political forces like the BJP and the Shiv Sena.

While the BJP and the Shiv Sena are at the forefront of a political campaign to obstruct implementation of the SC’s September 28 judgment, the Congress, too, by joining the street protests has shown that it is no less a Hindu party.

The rationale of those adding their voice and presence to the Hindutva-led campaign against women between 10 and 50 years entering the Ayyappa temple is that if this is going to hurt the Left Democratic Front (LDF), then there is no reason to let the BJP and Hindutva outfits succeed as sole beneficiaries of the agitation. The faux Hindutva and soft Hindutva parties too want to benefit from the fallout of this unreasonable agitation. The attempt to ratchet up the protests may well be to test the potential of the agitation to be blown up as an Ayodhya-type conflict. With the difference that it would be a case of Hindus versus Hindus spawning conditions for violence. And, any resultant political instability arising from the socio-cultural and religious conflict which weakens the ruling coalition can only benefit the Hindutva (not all Hindu) forces.

Therein lies a prescription for turbulence in one of India’s most orderly states which ranks high in many measures of Human Development Index, especially literacy, education and socio-economic inclusiveness of the weaker sections, minorities and migrant labourers.&nbsp;

Sadly, the TDB, vested with the sacred duty of managing the temple, appears to be a willing accomplice in the political game now underway where it has ranged itself against those who stand for upholding a constitutionally valid and legally binding order of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

This is a fraught situation and the gathering agitation is unjustified by any yardstick: Constitutional, religious and political.&nbsp;

To take the constitutional aspect, Article 26 states: “Every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right (a) to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes; (b) to manage its own affairs in matters of religion.” The preceding article holds that “all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion”. However, “(2) Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making […] (b) providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.”

Thus, the SC order in the Sabarimala case upholds the constitutional objective of access for all Hindus to all Hindu temples. That sections of Hindus are still excluded from other temples does not in any way undermine the validity or force of the SC order. Besides, Ayyappa worship is not a separate religion.

The dissenting judge on the five-member bench, Justice Indu Malhotra held that “In a secular polity, issues which are matters of deep religious faith and sentiment, must not ordinarily be interfered with by courts.” Here, “ordinarily” may be the operational word. Had this been the first instance of the matter coming to court, Justice Malhotra’s opinion could have been given effect to before the case was admitted for hearing. However, it was by law (in 1972) and by a Kerala High Court order(in 1990) that women’s entry was banned. A court had already “interfered” and its interference accepted because the outcome was acceptable. That verdict being undone by a (superior) court cannot be rejected because the order does not suit the self-appointed keepers of the faith and a section of Ayyappa devotees.

As a religious custom and practice (not law) of faith, the TDB has been complicit in violations. It had allowed a film to be shot with actresses dancing on the sacred 18-step stairway to the shrine’s sanctum sanctorum. VIPs and film stars, among others, in the “offending” age group, have been allowed entry to the temple.&nbsp;

This flies in the face of the TDB’s claims of upholding a sacred and holy tradition. Thus, on religious grounds, too, there is no basis for resisting the SC order. In fact, the SC order does not force anyone to either go to or keep away from the temple. Those between 10 and 50 years, who wish to keep away from Lord Ayyappa’s shrine, are free to do so.&nbsp;

Diversity is much more than merely sustaining conditions for multiple faiths to flourish. It is also about allowing faith to be professed and practised in multiple ways. Each to her own faith, implies each one’s right to follow her own path to her Ishta Devata. How faith should be manifest cannot be dictated, least of all by political groups.

Politically, the unrest being fomented on the issue reeks of hypocrisy and exposes the crude attempt of narrow-minded opportunists to stoke sectarian sentiments. In 2016, the BJP, the Congress and other parties, hailed the court verdict allowing women entry up to the restricted grave area of the Haji Ali Dargah. They commended the women activists who had gone to court. In stark contrast, these Hindu parties are now fighting for gender discrimination in Hindu religious practices and institutions for which there is no basis whatsoever.

What is it about Hindu parties and their politics that makes them champions of Muslim women’s rights and equality, but opponents of Hindu women’s rights, especially when it comes to religious institutions and practices?

An honest answer to this question may also answer why political forces with their roots and patrons far beyond Kerala are involved in whipping up emotions over women’s entry to a small shrine on a hillock in the southern state. Is it the opportunity to trigger a Samudramanthan to release the politico-religious toxins required for the coming assembly and Lok Sabha elections?&nbsp;

The answers are blowing in the wind.

(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)

It is strange, if not unholy, that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which runs the Sabarimala shrine of Lord Ayyappa, resists implementing the Supreme Court’s order on allowing entry to women of all ages but has no qualms whatsoever in being dictated to by political forces like the BJP and the Shiv Sena.

It is strange, if not unholy, that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which runs the Sabarimala shrine of Lord Ayyappa, resists implementing the Supreme Court’s order on allowing entry to women of all ages but has no qualms whatsoever in being dictated to by political forces like the BJP and the Shiv Sena. While the BJP and the Shiv Sena are at the forefront of a political campaign to obstruct implementation of the SC’s September 28 judgment, the Congress, too, by joining the street protests has shown that it is no less a Hindu party. The rationale of those adding their voice and presence to the Hindutva-led campaign against women between 10 and 50 years entering the Ayyappa temple is that if this is going to hurt the Left Democratic Front (LDF), then there is no reason to let the BJP and Hindutva outfits succeed as sole beneficiaries of the agitation. The faux Hindutva and soft Hindutva parties too want to benefit from the fallout of this unreasonable agitation. The attempt to ratchet up the protests may well be to test the potential of the agitation to be blown up as an Ayodhya-type conflict. With the difference that it would be a case of Hindus versus Hindus spawning conditions for violence. And, any resultant political instability arising from the socio-cultural and religious conflict which weakens the ruling coalition can only benefit the Hindutva (not all Hindu) forces. Therein lies a prescription for turbulence in one of India’s most orderly states which ranks high in many measures of Human Development Index, especially literacy, education and socio-economic inclusiveness of the weaker sections, minorities and migrant labourers. Sadly, the TDB, vested with the sacred duty of managing the temple, appears to be a willing accomplice in the political game now underway where it has ranged itself against those who stand for upholding a constitutionally valid and legally binding order of the Supreme Court. This is a fraught situation and the gathering agitation is unjustified by any yardstick: Constitutional, religious and political. To take the constitutional aspect, Article 26 states: “Every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right (a) to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes; (b) to manage its own affairs in matters of religion.” The preceding article holds that “all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion”. However, “(2) Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making […] (b) providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.” Thus, the SC order in the Sabarimala case upholds the constitutional objective of access for all Hindus to all Hindu temples. That sections of Hindus are still excluded from other temples does not in any way undermine the validity or force of the SC order. Besides, Ayyappa worship is not a separate religion. The dissenting judge on the five-member bench, Justice Indu Malhotra held that “In a secular polity, issues which are matters of deep religious faith and sentiment, must not ordinarily be interfered with by courts.” Here, “ordinarily” may be the operational word. Had this been the first instance of the matter coming to court, Justice Malhotra’s opinion could have been given effect to before the case was admitted for hearing. However, it was by law (in 1972) and by a Kerala High Court order(in 1990) that women’s entry was banned. A court had already “interfered” and its interference accepted because the outcome was acceptable. That verdict being undone by a (superior) court cannot be rejected because the order does not suit the self-appointed keepers of the faith and a section of Ayyappa devotees. As a religious custom and practice (not law) of faith, the TDB has been complicit in violations. It had allowed a film to be shot with actresses dancing on the sacred 18-step stairway to the shrine’s sanctum sanctorum. VIPs and film stars, among others, in the “offending” age group, have been allowed entry to the temple. This flies in the face of the TDB’s claims of upholding a sacred and holy tradition. Thus, on religious grounds, too, there is no basis for resisting the SC order. In fact, the SC order does not force anyone to either go to or keep away from the temple. Those between 10 and 50 years, who wish to keep away from Lord Ayyappa’s shrine, are free to do so. Diversity is much more than merely sustaining conditions for multiple faiths to flourish. It is also about allowing faith to be professed and practised in multiple ways. Each to her own faith, implies each one’s right to follow her own path to her Ishta Devata. How faith should be manifest cannot be dictated, least of all by political groups. Politically, the unrest being fomented on the issue reeks of hypocrisy and exposes the crude attempt of narrow-minded opportunists to stoke sectarian sentiments. In 2016, the BJP, the Congress and other parties, hailed the court verdict allowing women entry up to the restricted grave area of the Haji Ali Dargah. They commended the women activists who had gone to court. In stark contrast, these Hindu parties are now fighting for gender discrimination in Hindu religious practices and institutions for which there is no basis whatsoever. What is it about Hindu parties and their politics that makes them champions of Muslim women’s rights and equality, but opponents of Hindu women’s rights, especially when it comes to religious institutions and practices? An honest answer to this question may also answer why political forces with their roots and patrons far beyond Kerala are involved in whipping up emotions over women’s entry to a small shrine on a hillock in the southern state. Is it the opportunity to trigger a Samudramanthan to release the politico-religious toxins required for the coming assembly and Lok Sabha elections? The answers are blowing in the wind. (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 verdict: Missteps on God’s stairway

Tension prevailed Wednesday morning in Kerala's Nilackal, the main gateway to Sabarimala, after the police used force to disperse devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the hill shrine.

Acting tough, the police, deployed in large numbers in Nilackal, some 20 kms away from the Sabarimala hilltop, also removed a makeshift shelter erected by a protesting group Sabarimala Achara Samrakshana Samiti.

The protesting group of devotees had been staging a sit-in chanting Ayyappa mantra in the shelter in protest against the Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups to enter the shrine.

The protesting people, who were less in numbers, ran from the spot when the police initiated action in the early hours Wednesday when they tried to block the buses from the key entry point to the temple.

Hours ahead of opening of the hill shrine for the monthly prayer, the police said they would not let anyone to block the movement of the people.

Taking the full control of Nilackal, Police also warned against those who create hurdles in the ways of pilgrims to the hill shrine.

The police took strong action against the protesters after some of them checked the vehicles heading to Pamba and prevented the women in the age group of 10 and 50 from entering the hill shrine.

A couple from Tamil Nadu, aged 45 and 40, on their way to Pamba, were forced to get down from the KSRTC bus Monday night allegedly by some activists of the Sabarimala Achara Samrakshana Samiti.

Although the couple had said that they would go only up to Pamba and not climb Sabarimala, the activists prevented them.

The police later took them to safety.

Some activists of the Sabarimala Achara Samrakshana Samiti, who had stayed back at Nilackal, also allegedly prevented the media persons from carrying out their professional duty.

The crew of various TV news channels were asked to leave the place. They could return the spot after more policemen were deployed in the area.

Around 500 police personnel, including women, have been deployed in Nilackal to ensure a safe passage to the pilgrims to the Lord Ayyappa temple.

Meanwhile, another group of devotees said they would stage a Gandhian style peaceful protest in Pamba.

The shrine located on the mountain ranges of the ecologically fragile Western Ghats opens later in the evening for the first time after the recent Supreme Court.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said no one would be allowed to block devotees from proceeding to Sabarimala.

Groups of women devotees including senior citizens, clad in traditional sarees, had stopped each and every vehicle at Nilackal Tuesday.

Besides private vehicles, devotees even stopped and inspected Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and asked young women to get out of them Tuesday.

Very few police personnel were present when the incidents happened.

Protesting women had said no women belonging to the banned age group of 10-50 will be allowed to travel further from Nilackal and offer worship at the shrine. 
The temple would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly prayer during the Malayalam month of Thulam.

Tension prevailed Wednesday morning in Kerala's Nilackal, the main gateway to Sabarimala, after the police used force to disperse devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the hill shrine.

Tension prevailed Wednesday morning in Kerala's Nilackal, the main gateway to Sabarimala, after the police used force to disperse devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the hill shrine. Acting tough, the police, deployed in large numbers in Nilackal, some 20 kms away from the Sabarimala hilltop, also removed a makeshift shelter erected by a protesting group Sabarimala Achara Samrakshana Samiti. The protesting group of devotees had been staging a sit-in chanting Ayyappa mantra in the shelter in protest against the Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups to enter the shrine. The protesting people, who were less in numbers, ran from the spot when the police initiated action in the early hours Wednesday when they tried to block the buses from the key entry point to the temple. Hours ahead of opening of the hill shrine for the monthly prayer, the police said they would not let anyone to block the movement of the people. Taking the full control of Nilackal, Police also warned against those who create hurdles in the ways of pilgrims to the hill shrine. The police took strong action against the protesters after some of them checked the vehicles heading to Pamba and prevented the women in the age group of 10 and 50 from entering the hill shrine. A couple from Tamil Nadu, aged 45 and 40, on their way to Pamba, were forced to get down from the KSRTC bus Monday night allegedly by some activists of the Sabarimala Achara Samrakshana Samiti. Although the couple had said that they would go only up to Pamba and not climb Sabarimala, the activists prevented them. The police later took them to safety. Some activists of the Sabarimala Achara Samrakshana Samiti, who had stayed back at Nilackal, also allegedly prevented the media persons from carrying out their professional duty. The crew of various TV news channels were asked to leave the place. They could return the spot after more policemen were deployed in the area. Around 500 police personnel, including women, have been deployed in Nilackal to ensure a safe passage to the pilgrims to the Lord Ayyappa temple. Meanwhile, another group of devotees said they would stage a Gandhian style peaceful protest in Pamba. The shrine located on the mountain ranges of the ecologically fragile Western Ghats opens later in the evening for the first time after the recent Supreme Court. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said no one would be allowed to block devotees from proceeding to Sabarimala. Groups of women devotees including senior citizens, clad in traditional sarees, had stopped each and every vehicle at Nilackal Tuesday. Besides private vehicles, devotees even stopped and inspected Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and asked young women to get out of them Tuesday. Very few police personnel were present when the incidents happened. Protesting women had said no women belonging to the banned age group of 10-50 will be allowed to travel further from Nilackal and offer worship at the shrine. The temple would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly prayer during the Malayalam month of Thulam.

Tension prevails in Nilackal ahead of Sabarimala's opening; police evict protesters

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday stated that his government will ensure facilities to devotees who are going to Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers and that no one will be allowed to "take law and order in their hands." &nbsp;

"We will not allow anyone to take law and order in their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees to go to Sabarimala Temple and offer prayers."

CM Vijayan added that his government "will not submit a review petition." "We've said in court that we'll implement the order," he added.&nbsp;

Thousands of BJP activists on Monday marched to the secretariat in Kerala to protest the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine.

The Sabarimala Temple, opening on October 17 evening, would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly pooja of Malayalam month of 'Thulam'.

Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits for some days demanding that the sanctity of the temple rituals be protected.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday stated that his government will ensure facilities to devotees who are going to Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers and that no one will be allowed to "take law and order in their hands.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday stated that his government will ensure facilities to devotees who are going to Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers and that no one will be allowed to "take law and order in their hands." "We will not allow anyone to take law and order in their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees to go to Sabarimala Temple and offer prayers." CM Vijayan added that his government "will not submit a review petition." "We've said in court that we'll implement the order," he added. Thousands of BJP activists on Monday marched to the secretariat in Kerala to protest the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine. The Sabarimala Temple, opening on October 17 evening, would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly pooja of Malayalam month of 'Thulam'. Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits for some days demanding that the sanctity of the temple rituals be protected. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Will not submit review petition, we'll ensure facilities to devotees: CM Vijayan on Sabarimala

Thousands of BJP activists Monday marched to the secretariat here to protest implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine.

In another development, the Travancore Devaswom Board has convened a meeting of various stakeholders of the shrine including the Tantri (head priest) family, Pandalam royals and Ayyappa Seva Sangam here tomorrow.

The meeting, called to discuss the preparations of the three-month-long annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrim season starting from November 17, was expected to discuss the recent Apex court order also.&nbsp;

The shrine will reopen on Wednesday for monthly rituals.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

BJP activists, including a large number of women and children, marched to the administrative hub, Secretariat here, chanting mantras of Lord Ayyappa and holding the garlanded pictures of the deity.

The mammoth foot march, which started last week from Pandalam, was in protest against the Left government's decision to implement the top court order without considering sentiments of believers and Lord Ayyappa devotees.

The BJP has also alleged that the attempt to implement the judgement was a "conspiracy" to destroy the hillock shrine, where lakhs of people from the country and abroad visit during the three-month-long pilgrim season beginning mid-November.

An array of senior leaders of NDA including actor-turned MP, Suresh Gopi, Bharatiya Dharma Jana Sena chief Thushar Vellappally, were in the forefront of the march, led by BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai.

Pillai said if the state government failed to resolve the issue at the earliest, the BJP-NDA's agitation would take a new turn.

"We will meet each villager in Kerala and chalk out a massive agitation plan to protect the Sabarimala Temple, its centuries-old traditions and the sentiments of Lord Ayyappa devotees," he said.

Claiming that their first phase of the Sabarimala stir was a major 'milestone,' the BJP said if the CPI(M)-led LDF government does not find a solution in the next 24 hours, the party-led NDA would chalk out a 'massive' agitation plan to reach their goal.

The Sabarimala Temple, opening on October 17 evening, would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly pooja of Malayalam month of 'Thulam'.

Heavy security arrangements were put in place across the capital city, especially on the routes through which the BJP foot march passed.

Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits for some days demanding that the sanctity of the temple rituals be protected.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Thousands of BJP activists Monday marched to the secretariat here to protest implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine.

Thousands of BJP activists Monday marched to the secretariat here to protest implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine. In another development, the Travancore Devaswom Board has convened a meeting of various stakeholders of the shrine including the Tantri (head priest) family, Pandalam royals and Ayyappa Seva Sangam here tomorrow. The meeting, called to discuss the preparations of the three-month-long annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrim season starting from November 17, was expected to discuss the recent Apex court order also. The shrine will reopen on Wednesday for monthly rituals. BJP activists, including a large number of women and children, marched to the administrative hub, Secretariat here, chanting mantras of Lord Ayyappa and holding the garlanded pictures of the deity. The mammoth foot march, which started last week from Pandalam, was in protest against the Left government's decision to implement the top court order without considering sentiments of believers and Lord Ayyappa devotees. The BJP has also alleged that the attempt to implement the judgement was a "conspiracy" to destroy the hillock shrine, where lakhs of people from the country and abroad visit during the three-month-long pilgrim season beginning mid-November. An array of senior leaders of NDA including actor-turned MP, Suresh Gopi, Bharatiya Dharma Jana Sena chief Thushar Vellappally, were in the forefront of the march, led by BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai. Pillai said if the state government failed to resolve the issue at the earliest, the BJP-NDA's agitation would take a new turn. "We will meet each villager in Kerala and chalk out a massive agitation plan to protect the Sabarimala Temple, its centuries-old traditions and the sentiments of Lord Ayyappa devotees," he said. Claiming that their first phase of the Sabarimala stir was a major 'milestone,' the BJP said if the CPI(M)-led LDF government does not find a solution in the next 24 hours, the party-led NDA would chalk out a 'massive' agitation plan to reach their goal. The Sabarimala Temple, opening on October 17 evening, would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly pooja of Malayalam month of 'Thulam'. Heavy security arrangements were put in place across the capital city, especially on the routes through which the BJP foot march passed. Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits for some days demanding that the sanctity of the temple rituals be protected. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Sabarimala issue: Massive BJP rally in Thiruvananthapuram

With Sabarimala Temple slated to open its door next week for a monthly ritual, Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine.

A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called suicide group.

"Our women activists will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of a suicide group. When any young woman tries to enter Sabarimala, our activists will commit suicide," Aji said.

On October 1, the Shiv Sena had staged a statewide strike for 12 hours in Kerala after the Supreme Court directed lifting restrictions on the entry of women in the Sabarimala Temple.

While pronouncing the order on September 28, the former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban on women from entering the temple violated the constitutional principles of the country.

He further said that the rights of women should be no lesser than their male counterparts, and devotion cannot be subjected to gender discrimination.

While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition.

The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan.

The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate which debarred women from entering the temple.

With Sabarimala Temple slated to open its door next week for a monthly ritual, Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine.

With Sabarimala Temple slated to open its door next week for a monthly ritual, Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine. A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called suicide group. "Our women activists will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of a suicide group. When any young woman tries to enter Sabarimala, our activists will commit suicide," Aji said. On October 1, the Shiv Sena had staged a statewide strike for 12 hours in Kerala after the Supreme Court directed lifting restrictions on the entry of women in the Sabarimala Temple. While pronouncing the order on September 28, the former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban on women from entering the temple violated the constitutional principles of the country. He further said that the rights of women should be no lesser than their male counterparts, and devotion cannot be subjected to gender discrimination. While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition. The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan. The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate which debarred women from entering the temple.

Shiv Sena activists threaten to commit suicide if women enter Sabarimala

Kerala Police on Saturday registered a case against the Malayali actor-turned BJP supporter Kollam Thulasi for his speech at a protest rally against Sabarimala verdict a day before.

Actor Kollam Thulasi&nbsp;made a controversial remark, threatening women from entering inside the Sabarimala temple.

He said, "Women coming to Sabarimala temple should be ripped into the half," adding, "one half should be sent to Delhi and the other half should be thrown towards Chief Minister's (Pinarayi Vijayan) office in Thiruvananthapuram."&nbsp;

On September 28, the Supreme Court allowed women of all ages to enter the temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality".

The verdict has received mixed reactions from people across the nation. While many including the Kerala state government welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition.

Four review petitions have been filed against the Sabarimala judgement.&nbsp;

Before the judgement, women aged 10 to 50 were not allowed to visit the temple as per 'traditions'.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Kerala Police on Saturday registered a case against the Malayali actor-turned BJP supporter Kollam Thulasi for his speech at a protest rally against Sabarimala verdict a day before.

Kerala Police on Saturday registered a case against the Malayali actor-turned BJP supporter Kollam Thulasi for his speech at a protest rally against Sabarimala verdict a day before. Actor Kollam Thulasi made a controversial remark, threatening women from entering inside the Sabarimala temple. He said, "Women coming to Sabarimala temple should be ripped into the half," adding, "one half should be sent to Delhi and the other half should be thrown towards Chief Minister's (Pinarayi Vijayan) office in Thiruvananthapuram." On September 28, the Supreme Court allowed women of all ages to enter the temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality". The verdict has received mixed reactions from people across the nation. While many including the Kerala state government welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition. Four review petitions have been filed against the Sabarimala judgement. Before the judgement, women aged 10 to 50 were not allowed to visit the temple as per 'traditions'. (With inputs from news agencies)

Police file case against Kerala actor who said women entering Sabarimala should be torn in half

Actor Kollam Thulasi on Friday made a shocking statement saying that women entering Sabarimala temple should be ripped into the half. He was addressing a public gathering here.

Thulasi, a Malayali actor, made the controversial remark while taking a dig at the central and state governments while threatening women from entering inside the Sabarimala temple.

He said, "Women coming to Sabarimala temple should be ripped into the half. One half should be sent to Delhi and the other half should be thrown towards Chief Minister's (Pinarayi Vijayan) office in Thiruvananthapuram."

Four review petitions have been filed against the Sabarimala judgement. Before the judgement, women aged 10 to 50 were not allowed to visit the temple as per 'traditions'.

On September 28, the apex court allowed women of all ages to enter the temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality".

The verdict has received mixed reactions from people across the nation. While many including the Kerala state government welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition.

Actor Kollam Thulasi on Friday made a shocking statement saying that women entering Sabarimala temple should be ripped into the half. He was addressing a public gathering here.

Actor Kollam Thulasi on Friday made a shocking statement saying that women entering Sabarimala temple should be ripped into the half. He was addressing a public gathering here. Thulasi, a Malayali actor, made the controversial remark while taking a dig at the central and state governments while threatening women from entering inside the Sabarimala temple. He said, "Women coming to Sabarimala temple should be ripped into the half. One half should be sent to Delhi and the other half should be thrown towards Chief Minister's (Pinarayi Vijayan) office in Thiruvananthapuram." Four review petitions have been filed against the Sabarimala judgement. Before the judgement, women aged 10 to 50 were not allowed to visit the temple as per 'traditions'. On September 28, the apex court allowed women of all ages to enter the temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality". The verdict has received mixed reactions from people across the nation. While many including the Kerala state government welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition.

Women entering Sabarimala should be 'ripped into half': Kerala actor Kollam Thulasi

India's Supreme Court today <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-head-priest-disappointed-after-supreme-court-allows-entry-women-168114">allowed entry of women of all</a> ages into the&nbsp;Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entry-women-sabarimala-temple-indu-malhotra-lone-dissenter-supreme-court-bench-168118">Also Read:&nbsp; Justice Indu Malhotra lone dissenter in Supreme Court bench</a>

Women cannot be treated as weaker or lesser, Chief Justice of India(CJI) Dipak Misra said while delivering the verdict on the entry of women at the Sabarimala temple.

A five-judge Supreme Court bench delivered its verdict on the entry of women aged between&nbsp;10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

The Supreme Court said the rule is against the article 14 and 25 of the Indian Constitution. "Constitutional morality is supreme,"&nbsp;the CJI said while reading out the verdict.

The bench comprises of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra.

"Patriarchal notion cannot be allowed to trump equality in devotion," CJI Misra said. Sabarimala Temple practice violates the rights of Hindu women, Misra added.

The temple's authorities, however, said they will appeal to the Supreme Court for a review of the ruling ahead of its next period of opening of the temple, beginning October 16th.

"Banning entry of women to shrine is gender discrimination," the CJI asserted. Religion is a way of life basically to link life with divinity, he said.

CJI Dipak Misra read out the first of four set of verdicts in the Sabarimala shrine case. Justice Indu Malhotra has written separate dissenting verdict, the CJI said.

Justice R F Nariman, D Y Chandrachud concurred with the CJI.

Law and society are tasked&nbsp;to act as levellers,&nbsp;CJI said, adding,"devotion cannot be subjected to discrimination." Devotees of Lord Ayyappa do not constitute separate denomination, the CJI said.

The practice of exclusion of women of 10-50 age group cannot be regarded as essential religious practice, the CJI said while delivering the verdict.

Kerala law denies rights to women on the ground of physiological reasons, the CJI added.

The ban was challenged by the Indian Young Lawyers Association, among the petitioners who had filed the case in 2006 but it was taken up for hearing in January 2016.

The Kerala government had said earlier that it was not opposed to the "prayers of the petitioner". Kerala state minister K Surendran had said all women, irrespective of their age should be allowed to offer prayers at the Sabarimala Temple.

Last year, in October the Supreme Court bench had asked whether the traditional ban amounts to discrimination against women and violates their fundamental rights under the Constitution.&nbsp;

"Every woman is also the creation of God and why should there be discrimination against them in employment or worship," Justice DY Chandrachud, who is part of the five-judge constitutional bench had said.

India's Supreme Court today allowed entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Also Read: Justice Indu Malhotra lone dissenter in Supreme Court bench Women cannot be treated as weaker or lesser, Chief Justice of India(CJI) Dipak Misra said while delivering the verdict on the entry of women at the Sabarimala temple.

India's Supreme Court today allowed entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Also Read: Justice Indu Malhotra lone dissenter in Supreme Court bench Women cannot be treated as weaker or lesser, Chief Justice of India(CJI) Dipak Misra said while delivering the verdict on the entry of women at the Sabarimala temple. A five-judge Supreme Court bench delivered its verdict on the entry of women aged between 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The Supreme Court said the rule is against the article 14 and 25 of the Indian Constitution. "Constitutional morality is supreme," the CJI said while reading out the verdict. The bench comprises of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. "Patriarchal notion cannot be allowed to trump equality in devotion," CJI Misra said. Sabarimala Temple practice violates the rights of Hindu women, Misra added. The temple's authorities, however, said they will appeal to the Supreme Court for a review of the ruling ahead of its next period of opening of the temple, beginning October 16th. "Banning entry of women to shrine is gender discrimination," the CJI asserted. Religion is a way of life basically to link life with divinity, he said. CJI Dipak Misra read out the first of four set of verdicts in the Sabarimala shrine case. Justice Indu Malhotra has written separate dissenting verdict, the CJI said. Justice R F Nariman, D Y Chandrachud concurred with the CJI. Law and society are tasked to act as levellers, CJI said, adding,"devotion cannot be subjected to discrimination." Devotees of Lord Ayyappa do not constitute separate denomination, the CJI said. The practice of exclusion of women of 10-50 age group cannot be regarded as essential religious practice, the CJI said while delivering the verdict. Kerala law denies rights to women on the ground of physiological reasons, the CJI added. The ban was challenged by the Indian Young Lawyers Association, among the petitioners who had filed the case in 2006 but it was taken up for hearing in January 2016. The Kerala government had said earlier that it was not opposed to the "prayers of the petitioner". Kerala state minister K Surendran had said all women, irrespective of their age should be allowed to offer prayers at the Sabarimala Temple. Last year, in October the Supreme Court bench had asked whether the traditional ban amounts to discrimination against women and violates their fundamental rights under the Constitution. "Every woman is also the creation of God and why should there be discrimination against them in employment or worship," Justice DY Chandrachud, who is part of the five-judge constitutional bench had said.

Supreme Court lifts ban on women's entry to Sabarimala temple in Kerala

The lone dissenting voice<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-head-priest-disappointed-after-supreme-court-allows-entry-women-168114"> in the verdict on the entry of women</a> in Sabarimala temple, Justice Indu Malhotra said that "issues which have deep religious connotation should not be tinkered with to maintain the secular atmosphere in the country."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-lifts-ban-womens-entry-sabarimala-temple-kerala-168108">Also Read:&nbsp;Supreme Court lifts </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-lifts-ban-womens-entry-sabarimala-temple-kerala-168108">ban</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-lifts-ban-womens-entry-sabarimala-temple-kerala-168108"> on women's entry to Sabarimala temple in Kerala</a>

India's top court allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala which was previously denied to women aged between 10 to 50 years.

Disagreeing with the other judges,&nbsp;Justice Indu Malhotra said: "It is not for courts to determine which religious practices are to be struck down except in issues of social evil like 'Sati'."&nbsp;

Justice Malhotra said that Lord Ayyappa devotees form separate religious denomination worthy of protection.&nbsp;

"It is not for the court to interfere in religious practices even if it appears discriminatory, Malhotra said, while adding that right to "equality conflicts with the&nbsp;right to worship of devotees of Lord Ayyappa."

"Issue in this case not limited to Sabarimala only. It'll have far-reaching implications for other places of worships,"&nbsp;Indu Malhotra observed.

"India has diverse religious practices and constitutional morality would allow anyone to profess a religion they believe, she said, while asserting that notions of "rationality cannot be brought into matters of religion".

"Equality doctrine cannot override fundamental right to worship under Article 25," Indu Malhotra said while delivering&nbsp;the verdict on the case.

The verdict which was carried with a 4-1 ratio with Malhotra being the only judge disagreeing with the Supreme Court Bench. Justice R F Nariman and D Y Chandrachud concurred with the CJI.

Apart from Indu Malhotra, the Bench comprised of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.

Chief Justice of India(CJI) Dipak Misra while delivering the verdict had said women cannot be treated as weaker or lesser while adding that "patriarchal notion cannot be allowed to trump equality in devotion."

Justice Chandrachud said the exclusion of women because she menstruates is "utterly unconstitutional".

"Religion cannot be used as cover to deny rights of worship to women. It is also against human dignity," Justice Chnadrachud said.

&nbsp;"Any custom or religious practice if violates the dignity of women by denying them entry due to her physiology is unconstitutional," Chandrachud added.

The lone dissenting voice in the verdict on the entry of women in Sabarimala temple, Justice Indu Malhotra said that "issues which have deep religious connotation should not be tinkered with to maintain the secular atmosphere in the country.

The lone dissenting voice in the verdict on the entry of women in Sabarimala temple, Justice Indu Malhotra said that "issues which have deep religious connotation should not be tinkered with to maintain the secular atmosphere in the country." Also Read: Supreme Court lifts ban on women's entry to Sabarimala temple in Kerala India's top court allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala which was previously denied to women aged between 10 to 50 years. Disagreeing with the other judges, Justice Indu Malhotra said: "It is not for courts to determine which religious practices are to be struck down except in issues of social evil like 'Sati'." Justice Malhotra said that Lord Ayyappa devotees form separate religious denomination worthy of protection. "It is not for the court to interfere in religious practices even if it appears discriminatory, Malhotra said, while adding that right to "equality conflicts with the right to worship of devotees of Lord Ayyappa." "Issue in this case not limited to Sabarimala only. It'll have far-reaching implications for other places of worships," Indu Malhotra observed. "India has diverse religious practices and constitutional morality would allow anyone to profess a religion they believe, she said, while asserting that notions of "rationality cannot be brought into matters of religion". "Equality doctrine cannot override fundamental right to worship under Article 25," Indu Malhotra said while delivering the verdict on the case. The verdict which was carried with a 4-1 ratio with Malhotra being the only judge disagreeing with the Supreme Court Bench. Justice R F Nariman and D Y Chandrachud concurred with the CJI. Apart from Indu Malhotra, the Bench comprised of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud. Chief Justice of India(CJI) Dipak Misra while delivering the verdict had said women cannot be treated as weaker or lesser while adding that "patriarchal notion cannot be allowed to trump equality in devotion." Justice Chandrachud said the exclusion of women because she menstruates is "utterly unconstitutional". "Religion cannot be used as cover to deny rights of worship to women. It is also against human dignity," Justice Chnadrachud said. "Any custom or religious practice if violates the dignity of women by denying them entry due to her physiology is unconstitutional," Chandrachud added.

Entry of women in Sabarimala temple: Justice Indu Malhotra lone dissenter in Supreme Court bench

The Supreme Court's verdict allowing entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple was "disappointing", but the shrine board will accept it, Sabarimala head priest Kandararu Rajeevarau said.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said banning entry of women to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entry-women-sabarimala-temple-indu-malhotra-lone-dissenter-supreme-court-bench-168118">Kerala's Sabarimala temple</a> is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-lifts-ban-womens-entry-sabarimala-temple-kerala-168108">Also read: Supreme Court lifts </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-lifts-ban-womens-entry-sabarimala-temple-kerala-168108">ban</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-lifts-ban-womens-entry-sabarimala-temple-kerala-168108"> on women's entry to Sabarimala temple in Kerala</a>

Travancore Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar told PTI that the Supreme Court's verdict will be studied in detail and further course of action will be decided after that.

Padmakumar said the board had informed the court that they wanted to continue with the existing ritual practices, but now they have no other option but to implement the verdict.

The board, he said, will take steps to execute the apex court directive. 
It will study the judgement seriously, he said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Rahul Easwar, President of the Ayyappa Dharma Sena, said they were going for a review petition.

Easwar is the grandson of late Sabarimala priest Kandararu Maheswararu, who died in May this year.

The court pronounced its verdict on a clutch of pleas challenging the ban on entry of women of menstrual age in Kerala's Sabarimala temple and said law and society are tasked with the task to act as levellers.

The Supreme Court's verdict allowing entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple was "disappointing", but the shrine board will accept it, Sabarimala head priest Kandararu Rajeevarau said.

The Supreme Court's verdict allowing entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple was "disappointing", but the shrine board will accept it, Sabarimala head priest Kandararu Rajeevarau said. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said banning entry of women to Kerala's Sabarimala temple is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women. Also read: Supreme Court lifts ban on women's entry to Sabarimala temple in Kerala Travancore Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar told PTI that the Supreme Court's verdict will be studied in detail and further course of action will be decided after that. Padmakumar said the board had informed the court that they wanted to continue with the existing ritual practices, but now they have no other option but to implement the verdict. The board, he said, will take steps to execute the apex court directive. It will study the judgement seriously, he said. Rahul Easwar, President of the Ayyappa Dharma Sena, said they were going for a review petition. Easwar is the grandson of late Sabarimala priest Kandararu Maheswararu, who died in May this year. The court pronounced its verdict on a clutch of pleas challenging the ban on entry of women of menstrual age in Kerala's Sabarimala temple and said law and society are tasked with the task to act as levellers.

Sabarimala head priest disappointed after Supreme Court allows entry of women

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said.&nbsp;

Supreme Court reserved the verdict&nbsp;On August 1. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked the counsels of both sides to compile the submissions and submit before these within seven days.&nbsp;

The bench comprises Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. The Indian Young Lawyers Association, among the petitioners challenging the ban, had filed its plea in the top court in 2006, but the case lay in cold storage till it was finally taken up for hearing in January 2016.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-praises-lawyer-for-spirited-defence-in-sabarimala-case-154838"> apex court</a> had said that the constitutional scheme prohibiting exclusion has "some value" in a "vibrant democracy".&nbsp;

In July, the bench had said that it cannot remain "oblivious" of the fact that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-supreme-court-announces-entry-to-all-women-in-sabarimala-temple-152626">entry of women</a> in the age group of 10-50 was barred into the shrine on "physiological ground" of menstruation.

The management of the Sabarimala temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the top court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain "purity" on account of menstruation.

However, the Kerala government last year had informed the Supreme Court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the temple.&nbsp;

In 2007, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had taken a progressive standby favouring women's entry into the temple, which was later overturned by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) dispensation.

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said.

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said. Supreme Court reserved the verdict On August 1. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked the counsels of both sides to compile the submissions and submit before these within seven days. The bench comprises Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. The Indian Young Lawyers Association, among the petitioners challenging the ban, had filed its plea in the top court in 2006, but the case lay in cold storage till it was finally taken up for hearing in January 2016. The apex court had said that the constitutional scheme prohibiting exclusion has "some value" in a "vibrant democracy". In July, the bench had said that it cannot remain "oblivious" of the fact that the entry of women in the age group of 10-50 was barred into the shrine on "physiological ground" of menstruation. The management of the Sabarimala temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the top court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain "purity" on account of menstruation. However, the Kerala government last year had informed the Supreme Court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the temple. In 2007, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had taken a progressive standby favouring women's entry into the temple, which was later overturned by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) dispensation.

Supreme Court's verdict on entry of women in Sabarimala tomorrow

The Supreme Court today (October 13) referred the matter pertaining to a ban on the entry of women into Kerala&#39;s Sabarimala temple to a constitution&nbsp;bench.&nbsp;

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also framed six questions to dealt with by the constitution&nbsp;bench. The questions included whether the historic temple can restrict women&#39;s entry and whether the restriction of entry of women into the temple was violative of their rights under the Constitution.

The top court said the constitution&nbsp;bench will also deal with the question of whether this practice amounts to discrimination against the women, PTI reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-security-tightened-at-somnath-temple-after-suspected-is-operatives-held-in-gujarat-12835" target="_blank">On February 20, the court had reserved its order</a> on whether to refer the matter to a constitutional bench.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is hearing a plea challenging the practice of the ban on entry of women by the management of the Sabarimala temple.&nbsp;

The management of the Sabarimala temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the top court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain &quot;purity&quot; on account of menstruation.

However, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-kerala-government-favours-entry-of-women-inside-historic-sabarimala-temple-8467" target="_blank">the Kerala government on November 7 had informed the&nbsp;</a>Supreme Court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the temple.&nbsp;

In 2007, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had taken a progressive stand by favouring women&#39;s entry into the temple, which was later overturned by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) dispensation.

The UDF government had taken a view that they were against the entry of women of the age group of 10-to-50 years as such a practice was being followed since time immemorial. 
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The top court said that the constitutional bench will also deal with the question, including several other questions, whether temple can restrict women's entry

The Supreme Court today (October 13) referred the matter pertaining to a ban on the entry of women into Kerala's Sabarimala temple to a constitution bench. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also framed six questions to dealt with by the constitution bench. The questions included whether the historic temple can restrict women's entry and whether the restriction of entry of women into the temple was violative of their rights under the Constitution. The top court said the constitution bench will also deal with the question of whether this practice amounts to discrimination against the women, PTI reported. On February 20, the court had reserved its order on whether to refer the matter to a constitutional bench. The Supreme Court is hearing a plea challenging the practice of the ban on entry of women by the management of the Sabarimala temple. The management of the Sabarimala temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the top court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain "purity" on account of menstruation. However, the Kerala government on November 7 had informed the Supreme Court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the temple. In 2007, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had taken a progressive stand by favouring women's entry into the temple, which was later overturned by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) dispensation. The UDF government had taken a view that they were against the entry of women of the age group of 10-to-50 years as such a practice was being followed since time immemorial.

Supreme Court refers ban on women's entry at Sabarimala temple to constitution bench

At least 20 Sabarimala pilgrims were injured in a &quot;minor stampede&quot; at the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa this evening, which witnessed a heavy rush of devotees. 
 
The injured have been admitted to Sannidhanam hospital, Pathnamthitta Collector R Girija said. 
 
She said there was a &quot;small stampede&quot; between Sannidhanam and Malikapuram and about 20 persons were injured. 
 
There was a heavy rush of pilgrims today, the penultimate day before culmination of the 41-day mandala pooja. 
 
The stampede occurred just as the holy &#39;Thanga Angi&#39; procession carrying ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa on Mandala pooja tomorrow had reached the temple this evening. 
 
The procession starts from Aranmula Sree Parthasarthy temple four days before the Mandala pooja. 
 
Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said there was a heavy rush of pilgrims at the shrine when the thanga angi was brought. 
 
He was at the temple shortly before the stampede and had left the shrine after &#39;deeparadhana&#39; (evening prayers) with Thanga Angi. 
 
The minister said he was on his way to the hospital. 
 
Police are restricting movement of pilgrims from downhill Pamba to sannidhanam because of the heavy rush.

(PTI)

There was a heavy rush of pilgrims on December 25, the penultimate day before an auspicious day for the Hindus

At least 20 Sabarimala pilgrims were injured in a "minor stampede" at the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa this evening, which witnessed a heavy rush of devotees. The injured have been admitted to Sannidhanam hospital, Pathnamthitta Collector R Girija said. She said there was a "small stampede" between Sannidhanam and Malikapuram and about 20 persons were injured. There was a heavy rush of pilgrims today, the penultimate day before culmination of the 41-day mandala pooja. The stampede occurred just as the holy 'Thanga Angi' procession carrying ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa on Mandala pooja tomorrow had reached the temple this evening. The procession starts from Aranmula Sree Parthasarthy temple four days before the Mandala pooja. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said there was a heavy rush of pilgrims at the shrine when the thanga angi was brought. He was at the temple shortly before the stampede and had left the shrine after 'deeparadhana' (evening prayers) with Thanga Angi. The minister said he was on his way to the hospital. Police are restricting movement of pilgrims from downhill Pamba to sannidhanam because of the heavy rush. (PTI)

At least 20 Sabarimala pilgrims injured in stampede

In a U-turn, the ruling government in southern Indian state of Kerala today informed the apex court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the historic Sabarimala temple of the state, Indian news agency PTI reported.

The counsel for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government told the Supreme Court that it will it will go by its original response filed in 2007 favouring entry of women in the temple premises. Earlier this year in July, however, the counsel had supported the ban on the entry of women.&nbsp;

This was the first hearing after the Supreme Court changed the bench hearing a decade-old petition against the restriction on women aged between 10 and 50 from entering the temple, according to ANI news agency.&nbsp;

Earlier, the three-judge Bench led by Justice Dipak Misra included Justices Gopala V. Gowda and Kurian Joseph, who were replaced by Justices C. Nagappan and R. Banumathi on July 11, ANI reported.&nbsp;

A total of 10 Supreme Court judges, &nbsp;sitting in various combinations, have already heard the case in as many years since it was first filed in 2006.

 
The administration of the temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain &quot;purity&quot; on account of menstruation, according to PTI.&nbsp;

The Kerala government supported them and told the court that beliefs and customs of devotees cannot be changed through a judicial process and that the opinion of the priests is final in matters of religion.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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After supporting the ban on women's entry in the temple in July, the ruling Left Democratic Front took a U-turn today

In a U-turn, the ruling government in southern Indian state of Kerala today informed the apex court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the historic Sabarimala temple of the state, Indian news agency PTI reported. The counsel for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government told the Supreme Court that it will it will go by its original response filed in 2007 favouring entry of women in the temple premises. Earlier this year in July, however, the counsel had supported the ban on the entry of women. This was the first hearing after the Supreme Court changed the bench hearing a decade-old petition against the restriction on women aged between 10 and 50 from entering the temple, according to ANI news agency. Earlier, the three-judge Bench led by Justice Dipak Misra included Justices Gopala V. Gowda and Kurian Joseph, who were replaced by Justices C. Nagappan and R. Banumathi on July 11, ANI reported. A total of 10 Supreme Court judges, sitting in various combinations, have already heard the case in as many years since it was first filed in 2006. The administration of the temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain "purity" on account of menstruation, according to PTI. The Kerala government supported them and told the court that beliefs and customs of devotees cannot be changed through a judicial process and that the opinion of the priests is final in matters of religion. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Kerala government favours entry of women inside historic Sabarimala temple?

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