Two women devotees in their 40s created history on Wednesday after they entered <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-kerala-women-form-620-km-long-human-wall-to-uphold-gender-equality-187767">Sabarimala temple </a>in Kerala&nbsp;and offered prayers to the Lord Ayyappa.

The women identified as --Bindu and Kanakdurga -- started trekking for the shrine at midnight and reached the temple early in the morning. They offered prayers at 3:45 am.

According to a report by ANI, they were accompanied by police personnel.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Two women devotees Bindu and Kanakdurga entered &amp; offered prayers at Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> at 3.45am today <a href="https://t.co/hXDWcUTVXA">pic.twitter.com/hXDWcUTVXA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1080307598216384519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Both women had also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-women-pilgrims-made-to-return-from-lord-ayyappa-shrine-186126">tried to enter&nbsp;the temple</a>&nbsp;earlier but failed after they faced massive protests from devotees.

However, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President A Padmakumar has said that he had no information about the two women offering prayers at the temple, PTI reported.

According to a report by PTI, TDB officials have been asked to view CCTV footage to verify their claim, he said.

Bindu is a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga is a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram. They had come to Sabarimala on December 24.

Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the top court verdict allowing all women to offer prayers at the temple.

The main opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP is opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees.

Four transgenders recently offered prayers at the temple while the attempt by over a dozen young women has been foiled by protesting devotees so far. 
The two-month long pilgrim season at the Sabarimala Temple began on November 16 and the first phase will end on December 27.

The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

Both women had also tried to enter the temple on December 18 but failed after they faced massive protests from devotees.

Two women devotees in their 40s created history on Wednesday after they entered Sabarimala temple in Kerala and offered prayers to the Lord Ayyappa. The women identified as --Bindu and Kanakdurga -- started trekking for the shrine at midnight and reached the temple early in the morning. They offered prayers at 3:45 am. According to a report by ANI, they were accompanied by police personnel. #WATCH Two women devotees Bindu and Kanakdurga entered & offered prayers at Kerala's #SabarimalaTemple at 3.45am today pic.twitter.com/hXDWcUTVXA — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2019 × Both women had also tried to enter the temple earlier but failed after they faced massive protests from devotees. However, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President A Padmakumar has said that he had no information about the two women offering prayers at the temple, PTI reported. According to a report by PTI, TDB officials have been asked to view CCTV footage to verify their claim, he said. Bindu is a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga is a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram. They had come to Sabarimala on December 24. Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the top court verdict allowing all women to offer prayers at the temple. The main opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP is opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees. Four transgenders recently offered prayers at the temple while the attempt by over a dozen young women has been foiled by protesting devotees so far. The two-month long pilgrim season at the Sabarimala Temple began on November 16 and the first phase will end on December 27. The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

In a first after Supreme Court verdict, 2 women enter Sabarimala temple; TDB board denies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two women devotees, who were on their way to Sabarimala temple were stopped by protesters at Appachimedu, just two kilometres away from the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/group-of-11-women-devotees-return-from-sabarimala-amid-intensifying-protests-186015"> Lord Ayyappa's shrine</a> in the wee hours of Monday.

Trouble broke out&nbsp;when police accompanying the two women clashed with angry pilgrims after they created hurdles for the two women devotees, who are below the age of 50, from proceeding ahead for their darshan. 
 
The police had to resort to lathi-charge and shield Bindu from Malappuram and Kanaka Durga from Kannur as angry Ayyappa devotees chanted slogans and approached them menacingly.

Earlier on Sunday, a group of eleven women devotees who had arrived in Pamba to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple had to return without paying obeisance at the hill shrine after several people, including women, staged a protest opposing their entry.

The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) inside the temple in September this year.

However, until now, no woman of the previously-forbidden age group has been able to enter the temple due to widespread protests.

Two women devotees, who were on their way to Sabarimala temple were stopped by protesters at Appachimedu, just two kilometres away from the Lord Ayyappa's shrine in the wee hours of Monday.

Two women devotees, who were on their way to Sabarimala temple were stopped by protesters at Appachimedu, just two kilometres away from the Lord Ayyappa's shrine in the wee hours of Monday. Trouble broke out when police accompanying the two women clashed with angry pilgrims after they created hurdles for the two women devotees, who are below the age of 50, from proceeding ahead for their darshan. The police had to resort to lathi-charge and shield Bindu from Malappuram and Kanaka Durga from Kannur as angry Ayyappa devotees chanted slogans and approached them menacingly. Earlier on Sunday, a group of eleven women devotees who had arrived in Pamba to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple had to return without paying obeisance at the hill shrine after several people, including women, staged a protest opposing their entry. The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) inside the temple in September this year. However, until now, no woman of the previously-forbidden age group has been able to enter the temple due to widespread protests.

Two women stopped 2 km from Sabarimala, police lathi-charge protesters

Faced with unrelenting protests from devotees, two women in their forties, who tried to trek to the hill shrine of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/group-of-11-women-devotees-return-from-sabarimala-amid-intensifying-protests-186015">Lord Ayyappa</a> here Monday returned without offering prayers.

The attempt by the two women - Bindu and Kanakdurga - came a day after a group of 11 women activists of "Manithi", a Chennai-based outfit unsuccessfully tried to make it to the shrine.

The two women, who reached Pamba at around 4 am, faced massive protests from devotees at Apachimedu and Marakootam, about one km from the 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex), as they were being escorted by police.

Ayyappa devotees surged in large numbers to the narrow pathway while the women were being escorted, and there was a minor scuffle with the police for over an hour.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> Two women devotees are being brought back to Pampa base camp following protests. They were stopped by protesters at Appachimedu, two kilometres away from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/PQEu94C2Ay">pic.twitter.com/PQEu94C2Ay</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077080540677836801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Police tried to evict the pilgrims who shouted "go back" and chanted Ayyappa mantras and a tense situation prevailed with the restive devotees showing no signs of backing off.

Seeing the growing number of protesters, including young children and to prevent the situation from getting out of hand, the women were advised to return by the police.

The women were earlier stopped at Appachimedu, a place en route Sabarimala, by protesters, who were later evicted by police.

The BJP also held a protest in front of the houses of the two women against their attempt to trek the hill.

Amid reports that Kandakdurga had complained of uneasiness and that she had fainted, Bindu told reporters that it was only a "ploy" to stall their progress to Sabarimala and there was nothing wrong with her.

Bindu alleged the police had forcibly prevented them from reaching the shrine.

Both the women, who trekked nearly 4.5 km, were taken to a hospital in an ambulance for a medical check-up.

Earlier, Bindu told reporters that "our demand is that government implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court. We should be allowed to go to the shrine. We have not done any wrong and are not doing anything illegal."

The women had claimed they had not sought police protection, but it was the responsibility of the police to provide security.

"We have not asked for police protection. The Supreme Court has given a verdict. So it is the government's duty to help us climb the hills", Bindu said.

Since the top court verdict, no women in the 10-50 age group, who are traditionally barred from entering the shrine, have been able to enter the 'sannidhanam' and offer worship to the presiding deity Lord Ayyappa, who is a "Naishtika Brahmachari" (perennial celibate).

Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the top court verdict allowing all women to offer prayers at the temple.

The main opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP is opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees.

Four transgenders recently offered prayers at the temple while the attempt by over a dozen young women has been foiled by protesting devotees so far. 
The two-month long pilgrim season at the Sabarimala Temple began on November 16 and the first phase will end on December 27.

The shrine has been witnessing the heavy rush of pilgrims since the past few days.

Faced with unrelenting protests from devotees, two women in their forties, who tried to trek to the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa here Monday returned without offering prayers.

Faced with unrelenting protests from devotees, two women in their forties, who tried to trek to the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa here Monday returned without offering prayers. The attempt by the two women - Bindu and Kanakdurga - came a day after a group of 11 women activists of "Manithi", a Chennai-based outfit unsuccessfully tried to make it to the shrine. The two women, who reached Pamba at around 4 am, faced massive protests from devotees at Apachimedu and Marakootam, about one km from the 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex), as they were being escorted by police. Ayyappa devotees surged in large numbers to the narrow pathway while the women were being escorted, and there was a minor scuffle with the police for over an hour. #Visuals Two women devotees are being brought back to Pampa base camp following protests. They were stopped by protesters at Appachimedu, two kilometres away from #SabarimalaTemple. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/PQEu94C2Ay — ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2018 × Police tried to evict the pilgrims who shouted "go back" and chanted Ayyappa mantras and a tense situation prevailed with the restive devotees showing no signs of backing off. Seeing the growing number of protesters, including young children and to prevent the situation from getting out of hand, the women were advised to return by the police. The women were earlier stopped at Appachimedu, a place en route Sabarimala, by protesters, who were later evicted by police. The BJP also held a protest in front of the houses of the two women against their attempt to trek the hill. Amid reports that Kandakdurga had complained of uneasiness and that she had fainted, Bindu told reporters that it was only a "ploy" to stall their progress to Sabarimala and there was nothing wrong with her. Bindu alleged the police had forcibly prevented them from reaching the shrine. Both the women, who trekked nearly 4.5 km, were taken to a hospital in an ambulance for a medical check-up. Earlier, Bindu told reporters that "our demand is that government implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court. We should be allowed to go to the shrine. We have not done any wrong and are not doing anything illegal." The women had claimed they had not sought police protection, but it was the responsibility of the police to provide security. "We have not asked for police protection. The Supreme Court has given a verdict. So it is the government's duty to help us climb the hills", Bindu said. Since the top court verdict, no women in the 10-50 age group, who are traditionally barred from entering the shrine, have been able to enter the 'sannidhanam' and offer worship to the presiding deity Lord Ayyappa, who is a "Naishtika Brahmachari" (perennial celibate). Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the top court verdict allowing all women to offer prayers at the temple. The main opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP is opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees. Four transgenders recently offered prayers at the temple while the attempt by over a dozen young women has been foiled by protesting devotees so far. The two-month long pilgrim season at the Sabarimala Temple began on November 16 and the first phase will end on December 27. The shrine has been witnessing the heavy rush of pilgrims since the past few days.

Kerala: Women worshippers again made to return from Sabarimala shrine

Tension prevailed at Pamba, the foothills of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/sabarimala-and-downfall-of-communist-rule-in-kerala-177818">Lord Ayyappa Temple</a>&nbsp;in Kerala, on Sunday morning as a group of 11 women, below the age of 50 years, tried to trek the hilltop shrine, even as devotees protested against the move.

Though they attempted to trek through the traditional forest path, about five kilometres from the temple complex, they could not go forward as devotees started a "namajapa" (chanting of hymns of the lord) protest against them.

The women, members of the Chennai-based "Manithi" outfit, are now squatting on the road. Police have thrown a security ring around them.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kerala: Group of women devotees reached Pampa base camp in the early morning hours to trek to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>, said, "Please give us way, we will visit the temple and return back soon." <a href="https://t.co/VqgTSXK5Aw">pic.twitter.com/VqgTSXK5Aw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076677752311422976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kerala: Ayyappa devotees protest outside Kottayam Railway Station following reports of women devotees' visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sabarimala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sabarimala</a> Temple today. Police at the spot. <a href="https://t.co/3PbqQgLxaJ">pic.twitter.com/3PbqQgLxaJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076644470005878785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Women, in the age group of 10-50 years, are traditionally barred from entering the Sabarimala temple. But the Supreme Court, through its September 28 landmark verdict, lifted the curb and permitted women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.

"We will continue the protest till we can visit the temple and offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Police asked us to go back, citing security reasons. But we will not go," Thilakavathi, one of the members of the group, told a television channel.

"Priests of the local temple at Pamba did not cooperate with us and declined to get our 'irumudikettu' (sacred offering to the God) ready as per custom. So we did it on our own," she said, adding that more members of their outfit would reach the state soon to visit Sabarimala.

Of the 11 women, six carried the traditional irumudikettu which is mandatory to climb the 'pathinettam padi' (holy steps leading to sanctum sanctorum).

Clad in the customary black dress, the women, led by the outfit's coordinator Selvi, insisted to the police that they want protection to offer prayers at the shrine.

As the news spread, a large number of devotees thronged Pamba, about five kilometres away from Sannidhanam (Sabarimala temple complex).

Police officials are now holding talks with the representatives of the outfit.

Anxiety had loomed large in and around Sabarimala temple for some days as 'Manithi', the outfit, had declared that a group of 50 women, all below the traditionally barred age of 50 years, would visit the shrine Sunday.

Selvy had told a Malayalam TV channel that the group comprised women from different states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka besides Kerala.

She had also said they had already written to the office of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and informed him about their plan to trek to the hill temple.

Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala temple since the Kerala government decided to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court permitting women of all age groups there.

Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills.

Four transgenders, who were earlier stopped from proceeding towards the Lord Ayyappa temple citing security reasons, offered prayers at the hill shrine under heavy police security earlier this week.

The Kerala High Court earlier this month appointed a three-member committee, vesting them with powers to oversee law and order and other problems faced by pilgrims during the ongoing annual season.

Tension prevailed at Pamba, the foothills of the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, on Sunday morning as a group of 11 women, below the age of 50 years, tried to trek the hilltop shrine, even as devotees protested against the move.

Tension prevailed at Pamba, the foothills of the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, on Sunday morning as a group of 11 women, below the age of 50 years, tried to trek the hilltop shrine, even as devotees protested against the move. Though they attempted to trek through the traditional forest path, about five kilometres from the temple complex, they could not go forward as devotees started a "namajapa" (chanting of hymns of the lord) protest against them. The women, members of the Chennai-based "Manithi" outfit, are now squatting on the road. Police have thrown a security ring around them. Kerala: Group of women devotees reached Pampa base camp in the early morning hours to trek to #SabarimalaTemple, said, "Please give us way, we will visit the temple and return back soon." pic.twitter.com/VqgTSXK5Aw — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × Kerala: Ayyappa devotees protest outside Kottayam Railway Station following reports of women devotees' visit to #Sabarimala Temple today. Police at the spot. pic.twitter.com/3PbqQgLxaJ — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × Women, in the age group of 10-50 years, are traditionally barred from entering the Sabarimala temple. But the Supreme Court, through its September 28 landmark verdict, lifted the curb and permitted women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple. "We will continue the protest till we can visit the temple and offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Police asked us to go back, citing security reasons. But we will not go," Thilakavathi, one of the members of the group, told a television channel. "Priests of the local temple at Pamba did not cooperate with us and declined to get our 'irumudikettu' (sacred offering to the God) ready as per custom. So we did it on our own," she said, adding that more members of their outfit would reach the state soon to visit Sabarimala. Of the 11 women, six carried the traditional irumudikettu which is mandatory to climb the 'pathinettam padi' (holy steps leading to sanctum sanctorum). Clad in the customary black dress, the women, led by the outfit's coordinator Selvi, insisted to the police that they want protection to offer prayers at the shrine. As the news spread, a large number of devotees thronged Pamba, about five kilometres away from Sannidhanam (Sabarimala temple complex). Police officials are now holding talks with the representatives of the outfit. Anxiety had loomed large in and around Sabarimala temple for some days as 'Manithi', the outfit, had declared that a group of 50 women, all below the traditionally barred age of 50 years, would visit the shrine Sunday. Selvy had told a Malayalam TV channel that the group comprised women from different states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka besides Kerala. She had also said they had already written to the office of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and informed him about their plan to trek to the hill temple. Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala temple since the Kerala government decided to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court permitting women of all age groups there. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills. Four transgenders, who were earlier stopped from proceeding towards the Lord Ayyappa temple citing security reasons, offered prayers at the hill shrine under heavy police security earlier this week. The Kerala High Court earlier this month appointed a three-member committee, vesting them with powers to oversee law and order and other problems faced by pilgrims during the ongoing annual season.

Tension in Kerala's Pamba as group of 11 women try to trek to Sabarimala

Special Officer, Law and Order in Pampa on Sunday stated that 11 women devotees, who had come to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, have returned now, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"We can't use force. It might create a law and order problem," Shaji Sugunan told media.&nbsp;

Tension prevailed at Pamba, the foothills of the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, on Sunday morning as a group of 11 women, below the age of 50 years, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-women-try-to-trek-sabarimala-tension-prevails-in-pamba-185911">tried to trek the hilltop shrine</a>, even as devotees protested against the move.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Shaji Sugunan, Special Officer, Law and Order, Pampa: 11 women devotees had come to offer prayers at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> but they were stopped by other pilgrims. The women devotees have returned now. We can't use force. It might create a law and order problem. <a href="https://t.co/n4niymysY2">pic.twitter.com/n4niymysY2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076751496451108865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Though they attempted to trek through the traditional forest path, about five kilometres from the temple complex, they could not go forward as devotees started a "namajapa" (chanting of hymns of the lord) protest against them.

The women, members of the Chennai-based "Manithi" outfit, were seen squatting on the road. Police had thrown a security ring around them.

Kerala Police was forced to take over 20 protesters into custody after protests turned violent.

The police and the women devotees were forced to flee to safety after more protestors came rushing down the pathway.

The delegation of women devotees then agreed to return stating that the police had forced them to leave, adding that they will return and seek legal help.&nbsp;

Anxiety had loomed large in and around Sabarimala Temple for some days as 'Manithi' had declared last week that a group of 50 women, all below the traditionally barred age of 50 years, would visit the shrine.

Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala Temple since the Kerala government decided to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court permitting women of all age groups there.

Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills.

Four transgenders, who were earlier stopped from proceeding towards the Lord Ayyappa temple citing security reasons, offered prayers at the hill shrine under heavy police security earlier this week.

The Kerala High Court earlier this month appointed a three-member committee, vesting them with powers to oversee law and order and other problems faced by pilgrims during the ongoing annual season.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Special Officer, Law and Order in Pampa on Sunday stated that 11 women devotees, who had come to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, have returned now, news agency ANI reported.

Special Officer, Law and Order in Pampa on Sunday stated that 11 women devotees, who had come to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, have returned now, news agency ANI reported. "We can't use force. It might create a law and order problem," Shaji Sugunan told media. Tension prevailed at Pamba, the foothills of the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, on Sunday morning as a group of 11 women, below the age of 50 years, tried to trek the hilltop shrine, even as devotees protested against the move. Shaji Sugunan, Special Officer, Law and Order, Pampa: 11 women devotees had come to offer prayers at #SabarimalaTemple but they were stopped by other pilgrims. The women devotees have returned now. We can't use force. It might create a law and order problem. pic.twitter.com/n4niymysY2 — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × Though they attempted to trek through the traditional forest path, about five kilometres from the temple complex, they could not go forward as devotees started a "namajapa" (chanting of hymns of the lord) protest against them. The women, members of the Chennai-based "Manithi" outfit, were seen squatting on the road. Police had thrown a security ring around them. Kerala Police was forced to take over 20 protesters into custody after protests turned violent. The police and the women devotees were forced to flee to safety after more protestors came rushing down the pathway. The delegation of women devotees then agreed to return stating that the police had forced them to leave, adding that they will return and seek legal help. Anxiety had loomed large in and around Sabarimala Temple for some days as 'Manithi' had declared last week that a group of 50 women, all below the traditionally barred age of 50 years, would visit the shrine. Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala Temple since the Kerala government decided to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court permitting women of all age groups there. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills. Four transgenders, who were earlier stopped from proceeding towards the Lord Ayyappa temple citing security reasons, offered prayers at the hill shrine under heavy police security earlier this week. The Kerala High Court earlier this month appointed a three-member committee, vesting them with powers to oversee law and order and other problems faced by pilgrims during the ongoing annual season. (With inputs from agencies)

Group of 11 women devotees return from Sabarimala amid intensifying protests 

The year 2018 will be looked back in future for some of the remarkable judgements that not only shaped the contemporary period but will also influence the life of the generations to come.

Here are the major judgements passed by the judiciary in 2018.

Section 377-&nbsp; 'Sexual orientation is natural, people have no control over it'.

In a major victory to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, the Supreme Court on September 6 struck down the colonial era's Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalised gay sex.

Ruling in the favor of the 'third recognised gender' the Supreme court said that sexual orientation is natural and people have no control over it.&nbsp;

The ruling that permitted consensual adult gay sex also said that the law must be interpreted as per the requirement of changing times.

After the judgement, engaging in gay sex in private is no more an offense. The court said that consensual sex between adults in a private space, which is not harmful to women or children cannot be denied as it is a matter of individual choice. The judges which called for the right to equality of the LGBT community also added that society's thinking, social morality cannot violate the rights of even one single individual.

Indu Malhotra who was one of the members in the bench said that society owes an apology to the LGBTQ community. While delivering its verdict the apex court laid emphasis on the fact that though sex, as per the order of nature, was seen as intercourse between man and woman for the purpose of procreation, the fact that it had already recognised a third gender needs to be kept in mind.

&nbsp;

Aadhaar- 'Legislation empowers unprivileged and marginalised section of the society'

On September 26, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar Act.

The court approved the linking of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) to the Unique Aadhar number while striking down its linkage with bank accounts and mobile number, pension or school admissions.&nbsp;The apex court's judgement came on the grounds that it "struck a fair balance between the right of privacy of the individual with&nbsp;right&nbsp;to life of the same individual as a beneficiary".

The judges said that the operational structure of the Aadhaar project ensures that the architecture of the Aadhaar does not create surveillance. The judgement further said that the legislation has helped in removing leakages and the benefits were now reaching the downtrodden.

The judges said that the legislation empowers unprivileged and marginalised section of the society as it gives them a unique identity and helps them to avail the benefits of welfare schemes.

The bench of judges also asked the government to not to allot Aadhaar to illegal immigrants.

&nbsp;

Adultery- 'Wife is not a property of husband'

On September 28, the Supreme Court struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code which made adultery a punishable&nbsp;offense. Terming the section as unconstitutional the apex court said it deprives women of their sexual autonomy and dignity. The court also held that the "wife was not a property of husband" and that the "husband is neither the master of his wife nor does he have legal sovereignty over her".

It added that the colonial-era provision violated Article 14 (right to equality), Article 15(1) (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth) and 21 (protection of life and personal liberty).

The judgement however clarified that adultery would continue to be a ground for divorce.

Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code stated that "whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man such intercourse not amounting to the offense of rape, is guilty of the offense of adultery and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years or with a fine or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor."

&nbsp;

Ayodhya-&nbsp;&nbsp;'The court has its own priorities'

In a hearing on Ayodhya, the Supreme Court on September 27 rejected the petition of referring the land title case to a larger bench. The petitions were filed challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict that divided the site in Ayodhya into three parts for Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara and Sunni Central Wakf Board of UP.&nbsp;The petitions were also filed for reconsidering the court's 1994 verdict in which it observed that a "mosque is not an essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam and namaz by Muslims can be offered anywhere, even in open".

The hearing in the case has now been adjourned to January after the CJI on&nbsp; October 29 rejected the early hearing in the case by saying that '' the court has its own priorities".

&nbsp;

Sabarimala Temple in Kerala-&nbsp; 'Dualism that persists in religion..in matters of devotion has to be abandoned'

In a historic judgement on September 28, the Supreme Court removed the restrictions imposed on women's entry in Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. In its judgement the apex court said, " the attribute of devotion to divinity cannot be subjected to the rigidity and stereotypes of gender... the dualism that persists in religion by glorifying and venerating women as goddesses on one hand and by imposing rigorous sanctions on the other hand, in matters of devotion has to be abandoned".

The judgement was passed by 4-1 ruling. Justice Indu Malhotra who disagreed with the lifting of ban on women's entry to the temple said, " the religious practice of restricting the entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 years is in pursuance of an 'essential religious practice' and 'notions of rationality cannot be invoked in matters of religion by courts'. She further claimed that 'allowing PILs in religious matters would open floodgates to interlopers to question religious beliefs and practices.....the courts should intervene only if there are pernicious, oppressive or social evil like sati".

&nbsp;

Live streaming of court proceedings- 'Will bring in more transparency in the judiciary's work'

The Supreme Court in September ordered the live streaming of court proceedings claiming that it will bring in more transparency in the judiciary's work. The court further asked to "implement the project" and employ the technology required to provide virtual access to live court proceedings. The court also asked that the live telecast of the proceedings should not interfere with the administration of the justice or the dignity and majesty of the court.

&nbsp;

Passive Euthanasia- 'Individuals have right to die with dignity under strict guidelines'

In March 2018 the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia saying that individuals have the right to die with dignity under strict guidelines. The court in its judgement allowed a person to file a "living will" for the withdrawal of life support in case he/she falls in coma. The draft for "living will" can only be filed when the person is in "normal state of health and mind".

&nbsp;

Anti-Sikh riots- 'Mass killing will continue to shock the collective conscience of society for a long time to come'

In a historic verdict on the anti-Sikh riots that took place three decades ago and killed over 2700 Sikhs, the High Court on December 17 reversed the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar by the trial court and sentenced him to life imprisonment on charges ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy.

Calling the 1984 riots as "crime against humanity" the court said the riots were carried out by people who had "political patronage and were aided by an indifferent law enforcement agency". The judgement added that the mass killing will "continue to shock the collective conscience of society for a long time to come".

The court also noted that the accused in the case were brought to justice because of the courage and perseverance of three eyewitnesses.

Questioning the investigation by the police, the court said that the police turned a blind eye to the mob rioting. It further said that the state machinery came to a complete standstill in those two or three days when the rioting mobs took to the streets and indulged in acts of violence.

The year 2018 will be looked back in future for some of the remarkable judgements that not only shaped the contemporary period but will also influence the life of the generations to come.

The year 2018 will be looked back in future for some of the remarkable judgements that not only shaped the contemporary period but will also influence the life of the generations to come. Here are the major judgements passed by the judiciary in 2018. Section 377- 'Sexual orientation is natural, people have no control over it'. In a major victory to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, the Supreme Court on September 6 struck down the colonial era's Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalised gay sex. Ruling in the favor of the 'third recognised gender' the Supreme court said that sexual orientation is natural and people have no control over it. The ruling that permitted consensual adult gay sex also said that the law must be interpreted as per the requirement of changing times. After the judgement, engaging in gay sex in private is no more an offense. The court said that consensual sex between adults in a private space, which is not harmful to women or children cannot be denied as it is a matter of individual choice. The judges which called for the right to equality of the LGBT community also added that society's thinking, social morality cannot violate the rights of even one single individual. Indu Malhotra who was one of the members in the bench said that society owes an apology to the LGBTQ community. While delivering its verdict the apex court laid emphasis on the fact that though sex, as per the order of nature, was seen as intercourse between man and woman for the purpose of procreation, the fact that it had already recognised a third gender needs to be kept in mind. Aadhaar- 'Legislation empowers unprivileged and marginalised section of the society' On September 26, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar Act. The court approved the linking of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) to the Unique Aadhar number while striking down its linkage with bank accounts and mobile number, pension or school admissions. The apex court's judgement came on the grounds that it "struck a fair balance between the right of privacy of the individual with right to life of the same individual as a beneficiary". The judges said that the operational structure of the Aadhaar project ensures that the architecture of the Aadhaar does not create surveillance. The judgement further said that the legislation has helped in removing leakages and the benefits were now reaching the downtrodden. The judges said that the legislation empowers unprivileged and marginalised section of the society as it gives them a unique identity and helps them to avail the benefits of welfare schemes. The bench of judges also asked the government to not to allot Aadhaar to illegal immigrants. Adultery- 'Wife is not a property of husband' On September 28, the Supreme Court struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code which made adultery a punishable offense. Terming the section as unconstitutional the apex court said it deprives women of their sexual autonomy and dignity. The court also held that the "wife was not a property of husband" and that the "husband is neither the master of his wife nor does he have legal sovereignty over her". It added that the colonial-era provision violated Article 14 (right to equality), Article 15(1) (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth) and 21 (protection of life and personal liberty). The judgement however clarified that adultery would continue to be a ground for divorce. Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code stated that "whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man such intercourse not amounting to the offense of rape, is guilty of the offense of adultery and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years or with a fine or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor." Ayodhya- 'The court has its own priorities' In a hearing on Ayodhya, the Supreme Court on September 27 rejected the petition of referring the land title case to a larger bench. The petitions were filed challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict that divided the site in Ayodhya into three parts for Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara and Sunni Central Wakf Board of UP. The petitions were also filed for reconsidering the court's 1994 verdict in which it observed that a "mosque is not an essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam and namaz by Muslims can be offered anywhere, even in open". The hearing in the case has now been adjourned to January after the CJI on October 29 rejected the early hearing in the case by saying that '' the court has its own priorities". Sabarimala Temple in Kerala- 'Dualism that persists in religion..in matters of devotion has to be abandoned' In a historic judgement on September 28, the Supreme Court removed the restrictions imposed on women's entry in Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. In its judgement the apex court said, " the attribute of devotion to divinity cannot be subjected to the rigidity and stereotypes of gender... the dualism that persists in religion by glorifying and venerating women as goddesses on one hand and by imposing rigorous sanctions on the other hand, in matters of devotion has to be abandoned". The judgement was passed by 4-1 ruling. Justice Indu Malhotra who disagreed with the lifting of ban on women's entry to the temple said, " the religious practice of restricting the entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 years is in pursuance of an 'essential religious practice' and 'notions of rationality cannot be invoked in matters of religion by courts'. She further claimed that 'allowing PILs in religious matters would open floodgates to interlopers to question religious beliefs and practices.....the courts should intervene only if there are pernicious, oppressive or social evil like sati". Live streaming of court proceedings- 'Will bring in more transparency in the judiciary's work' The Supreme Court in September ordered the live streaming of court proceedings claiming that it will bring in more transparency in the judiciary's work. The court further asked to "implement the project" and employ the technology required to provide virtual access to live court proceedings. The court also asked that the live telecast of the proceedings should not interfere with the administration of the justice or the dignity and majesty of the court. Passive Euthanasia- 'Individuals have right to die with dignity under strict guidelines' In March 2018 the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia saying that individuals have the right to die with dignity under strict guidelines. The court in its judgement allowed a person to file a "living will" for the withdrawal of life support in case he/she falls in coma. The draft for "living will" can only be filed when the person is in "normal state of health and mind". Anti-Sikh riots- 'Mass killing will continue to shock the collective conscience of society for a long time to come' In a historic verdict on the anti-Sikh riots that took place three decades ago and killed over 2700 Sikhs, the High Court on December 17 reversed the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar by the trial court and sentenced him to life imprisonment on charges ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy. Calling the 1984 riots as "crime against humanity" the court said the riots were carried out by people who had "political patronage and were aided by an indifferent law enforcement agency". The judgement added that the mass killing will "continue to shock the collective conscience of society for a long time to come". The court also noted that the accused in the case were brought to justice because of the courage and perseverance of three eyewitnesses. Questioning the investigation by the police, the court said that the police turned a blind eye to the mob rioting. It further said that the state machinery came to a complete standstill in those two or three days when the rioting mobs took to the streets and indulged in acts of violence.

Major judgements of 2018 by Supreme, High Court

A delegation of transgenders, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/transgenders-on-way-to-sabarimala-sent-back-by-police-184510">which was previously stopped from proceeding</a> to offer prayers at the Sabarimala temple, offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Clad in traditional black sarees, Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika carried the customary "Irrumudikettu"(sacred offerings to the deity) to the temple. They were escorted by the police.

They expressed happiness on being able to offer prayers at the temple.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the delegation alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> The transgender delegation offers prayers at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sabarimala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sabarimala</a> temple. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/yFDVU0Twd3">pic.twitter.com/yFDVU0Twd3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074943490629517312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

They said they reached here in the early hours but the police were reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further. They also alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple.&nbsp;

"The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said.

The delegation then met DGP A Hemachandran, a member of the Kerala High Court-appointed supervisory panel, and Inspector General of Police Manoj Abraham here Monday after which they were allowed to proceed.

The Supreme Court of India this year had ruled in favour of the entry of women of all age groups into the shrine. The temple authorities previously didn't allow women of menstrual age (ageing 10-50 years) into the holy site.&nbsp;

Scores of &nbsp;Lord Ayyappa devotees protested the apex court's decision. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek to the holy hills.

(With inputs from PTI)

A delegation of transgenders, which was previously stopped from proceeding to offer prayers at the Sabarimala temple, offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported.

A delegation of transgenders, which was previously stopped from proceeding to offer prayers at the Sabarimala temple, offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported. Clad in traditional black sarees, Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika carried the customary "Irrumudikettu"(sacred offerings to the deity) to the temple. They were escorted by the police. They expressed happiness on being able to offer prayers at the temple. On Sunday, the delegation alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue. #UPDATE The transgender delegation offers prayers at the #Sabarimala temple. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/yFDVU0Twd3 — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × They said they reached here in the early hours but the police were reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further. They also alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple. "The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said. The delegation then met DGP A Hemachandran, a member of the Kerala High Court-appointed supervisory panel, and Inspector General of Police Manoj Abraham here Monday after which they were allowed to proceed. The Supreme Court of India this year had ruled in favour of the entry of women of all age groups into the shrine. The temple authorities previously didn't allow women of menstrual age (ageing 10-50 years) into the holy site. Scores of Lord Ayyappa devotees protested the apex court's decision. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek to the holy hills. (With inputs from PTI)

Escorted by police, four transgenders offer prayers at Sabarimala temple

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

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

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

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

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala were Monday involved in a war of words in the state assembly over the Sabarimala Temple issue, leading to disruption of House proceedings for the fourth day.

Three UDF MLAs also began an indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the entrance of the House on the issue.

As the war of words continued and Congress-led Opposition UDF MLAs began shouting slogans, the House was adjourned for the fourth day by Speaker P Sreeramakrishann.

Unlike previous days, the House even saw CPI(M)-led LDF members standing up from their seats and locking horns with opposition members, prompting the Speaker to warn both sides.

As soon as the Question Hour began, Chennithala informed the Speaker that the opposition was ready to cooperate in conducting House proceedings.

He said three MLAs-V S Sivakumar (Congress), Parakkal Abdullah (IUML) and N Jayaraj (KC-M)-will observe an indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the portals of the Assembly as the government had not withdrawn prohibitory orders at Sabarimala and also demanding more facilities for pilgrims.

The chief minister said he had thought the opposition would make such an announcement earlier itself in the light of the BJP having decided to shift its agitation in front of the Secretariat from Monday.

"This is a collusion between the Congress and BJP-RSS and a belated awakening," Vijayan said.

While the BJP was agitating in front of the secretariat, the Congress-led UDF MLAs were observing a 'Satyagraha' at the Assembly, he said.

Taking a dig at the UDF, Vijayan even said they were following the stand taken by BJP chief Amit Shah rather than that of their leader Rahul Gandhi on the Sabarimala issue.

Hitting back at Vijayan, Chennithala said the opposition does not need the chief minister's permission to decide when to launch their agitation.

He alleged RSS leader Valsan Thillankeri had been "given charge of the home department" at Sabarimala to control the frenzied devotees last month when a 52-year-old woman was attacked at the hill shrine.

The leader also alleged an RSS outfit had been given charge of "Annadanam", the free meal scheme at Sabarimala and C P Sugathan, who had protested against entry of young women, had been made joint convener of the 'Women's Wall', planned by the LDF government on January 1.

Stung by the chief minister's allegations, opposition members trooped to the well of the House and placed a black banner in front of the Speaker's dais blocking his vision.

As they did not heed to the Speaker's repeated requests to go back to their seats and continued to raise slogans against the chief minister, some angry members of the treasury bench even attempted to move to the well of the House but were dissuaded from doing so by the other ruling Front members.

An angry Speaker hurriedly scrapped the submission and calling attention motions, took up other businesses and adjourned the House for the day within 21 minutes.

Opposition members later moved out of the assembly hall raising slogans.

The three MLAs later began the indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the portals of the assembly demanding the withdrawal of prohibitory orders and other restrictions imposed by the police in and around the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.

Chennithala later told reporters the chief minister had allegedly passed on a chit to the Speaker asking him to stop the House proceedings to prevent the opposition from raising nepotism charges against local administration minister K T Jaleel.

The hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa has been witnessing protests by devotees and right-wing activists against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala were Monday involved in a war of words in the state assembly over the Sabarimala Temple issue, leading to disruption of House proceedings for the fourth day.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala were Monday involved in a war of words in the state assembly over the Sabarimala Temple issue, leading to disruption of House proceedings for the fourth day. Three UDF MLAs also began an indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the entrance of the House on the issue. As the war of words continued and Congress-led Opposition UDF MLAs began shouting slogans, the House was adjourned for the fourth day by Speaker P Sreeramakrishann. Unlike previous days, the House even saw CPI(M)-led LDF members standing up from their seats and locking horns with opposition members, prompting the Speaker to warn both sides. As soon as the Question Hour began, Chennithala informed the Speaker that the opposition was ready to cooperate in conducting House proceedings. He said three MLAs-V S Sivakumar (Congress), Parakkal Abdullah (IUML) and N Jayaraj (KC-M)-will observe an indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the portals of the Assembly as the government had not withdrawn prohibitory orders at Sabarimala and also demanding more facilities for pilgrims. The chief minister said he had thought the opposition would make such an announcement earlier itself in the light of the BJP having decided to shift its agitation in front of the Secretariat from Monday. "This is a collusion between the Congress and BJP-RSS and a belated awakening," Vijayan said. While the BJP was agitating in front of the secretariat, the Congress-led UDF MLAs were observing a 'Satyagraha' at the Assembly, he said. Taking a dig at the UDF, Vijayan even said they were following the stand taken by BJP chief Amit Shah rather than that of their leader Rahul Gandhi on the Sabarimala issue. Hitting back at Vijayan, Chennithala said the opposition does not need the chief minister's permission to decide when to launch their agitation. He alleged RSS leader Valsan Thillankeri had been "given charge of the home department" at Sabarimala to control the frenzied devotees last month when a 52-year-old woman was attacked at the hill shrine. The leader also alleged an RSS outfit had been given charge of "Annadanam", the free meal scheme at Sabarimala and C P Sugathan, who had protested against entry of young women, had been made joint convener of the 'Women's Wall', planned by the LDF government on January 1. Stung by the chief minister's allegations, opposition members trooped to the well of the House and placed a black banner in front of the Speaker's dais blocking his vision. As they did not heed to the Speaker's repeated requests to go back to their seats and continued to raise slogans against the chief minister, some angry members of the treasury bench even attempted to move to the well of the House but were dissuaded from doing so by the other ruling Front members. An angry Speaker hurriedly scrapped the submission and calling attention motions, took up other businesses and adjourned the House for the day within 21 minutes. Opposition members later moved out of the assembly hall raising slogans. The three MLAs later began the indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the portals of the assembly demanding the withdrawal of prohibitory orders and other restrictions imposed by the police in and around the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. Chennithala later told reporters the chief minister had allegedly passed on a chit to the Speaker asking him to stop the House proceedings to prevent the opposition from raising nepotism charges against local administration minister K T Jaleel. The hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa has been witnessing protests by devotees and right-wing activists against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.

Kerala Assembly witnesses disruptions over Sabarimala issue

Rehana Fathima, the activist who had recently tried to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple, has been arrested by Kerala Police.&nbsp;

ANI reported that Fathima was arrested on the charge of allegedly hurting religious sentiments via a Facebook post.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kerala: Woman activist Rehana Fathima has been arrested by Pathanamthitta Police. The arrest was made on charges of allegedly hurting religious sentiment through a Facebook post. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/WMWoGkGIl1">pic.twitter.com/WMWoGkGIl1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067333716320636929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

News reports meanwhile said that a case had been filed against Fathima on October 30 by the Sabarimala Samrakshana Samithi, a group that fights to uphold the temple's "traditions". &nbsp;

It is unclear what exactly Fathima's Facebook post had said.&nbsp;

Rehana, and a woman journalist from Hyderabad accompanying her, had finally not been able to enter Sabarimala. They had been stopped from entering by male devotees protesting the Supreme Court order allowing all women to visit Sabarimala.&nbsp;

Until the Supreme Court order overturning the social ban, Sabarimala has not allowed girls and women between the ages of 10 and 50 to visit the hill shrine in Kerala's Periyar reserve.&nbsp;

Rehana Fathima, the activist who had recently tried to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple, has been arrested by Kerala Police. ANI reported that Fathima was arrested on the charge of allegedly hurting religious sentiments via a Facebook post.

Rehana Fathima, the activist who had recently tried to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple, has been arrested by Kerala Police. ANI reported that Fathima was arrested on the charge of allegedly hurting religious sentiments via a Facebook post. Kerala: Woman activist Rehana Fathima has been arrested by Pathanamthitta Police. The arrest was made on charges of allegedly hurting religious sentiment through a Facebook post. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/WMWoGkGIl1 — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × News reports meanwhile said that a case had been filed against Fathima on October 30 by the Sabarimala Samrakshana Samithi, a group that fights to uphold the temple's "traditions". It is unclear what exactly Fathima's Facebook post had said. Rehana, and a woman journalist from Hyderabad accompanying her, had finally not been able to enter Sabarimala. They had been stopped from entering by male devotees protesting the Supreme Court order allowing all women to visit Sabarimala. Until the Supreme Court order overturning the social ban, Sabarimala has not allowed girls and women between the ages of 10 and 50 to visit the hill shrine in Kerala's Periyar reserve.

Rehmana Fathima who tried to enter Sabarimala arrested for hurting religious sentiments

Around 60 pilgrims, who breached the security zone near Sabarimala's 'vavarunada' area and started chanting prayers despite prohibitory orders, have been detained by the police.

Due to previous incidents of violence at the hill-top shrine, the police had imposed strict restrictions on the devotees at Sannidhanam.

The protesters were staying back near 'vavarunada' and chanting prayers, even as there was an imposition of Section 144 that prohibits assembly of more than four people at a spot, police said.

The detained protesters are being taken to the Pamba police station, which is around 3.5-km downhill. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in this first week of the annual two-month-long 'Mandala-Makaravilakku' season of Sabarimala, which commenced on November 17.

Earlier, the protesters detained in similar circumstances were arrested, taken to the Maniyar police camp and were sent to judicial custody by the court subsequently.

The shrine has been witnessing frenzied protest over the decision of the state government to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala.

Around 60 pilgrims, who breached the security zone near Sabarimala's 'vavarunada' area and started chanting prayers despite prohibitory orders, have been detained by the police.

Around 60 pilgrims, who breached the security zone near Sabarimala's 'vavarunada' area and started chanting prayers despite prohibitory orders, have been detained by the police. Due to previous incidents of violence at the hill-top shrine, the police had imposed strict restrictions on the devotees at Sannidhanam. The protesters were staying back near 'vavarunada' and chanting prayers, even as there was an imposition of Section 144 that prohibits assembly of more than four people at a spot, police said. The detained protesters are being taken to the Pamba police station, which is around 3.5-km downhill. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in this first week of the annual two-month-long 'Mandala-Makaravilakku' season of Sabarimala, which commenced on November 17. Earlier, the protesters detained in similar circumstances were arrested, taken to the Maniyar police camp and were sent to judicial custody by the court subsequently. The shrine has been witnessing frenzied protest over the decision of the state government to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala.

60 Sabarimala pilgrims detained for violating prohibitory orders

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

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

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

Steady flow of pilgrims at shrine, CM slams sangh parivar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A large number of BJP and RSS workers protested outside the official residence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan late Sunday night against the detention of 68 persons at Sabarimala Temple.

"We arrested 68 devotees after overnight protests around Sabarimala," VN Saji, assistant commissioner of Kerala police said.

The members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its mentor the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had gathered in front of Cliff House-- Vijayan's official residence at Nanthancode in Thiruvananthapuram.

Simultaneous protests were also held at various places across the state in Aranmula, Kochi, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ranni, Thodupuzha, Kaladi, Malappuram and Idukki among others.

To further intensify their stir against "police high handedness", a daylong state-wide agitation will be held on Monday by Yuvamorcha, the youth wing of the BJP, its chief said.

"We have organised state-wide protest against this emergency like situation in the state," Yuvamorcha state president Prakash Babu said.

The protesters were taken into preventive custody Sunday night at the Sabarimala Temple after fresh protests broke out at Nadapanthal area in Sannidhanam where hundreds of devotees agitated against the police restrictions.

Even though there were unconfirmed reports that the detained protesters were taken to Maniyar police camp in Pathanamthitta district, officials at Pamba Police Station, which is around 3.5 km downhill, denied any knowledge.

On the second day of the two-month-long pilgrimage season, the devotees had gathered at the covered pathway to the temple when they were asked to leave Sannidhanam.

Due to the early incidents of violence at the hill-top shrine, the police had imposed strict restrictions for devotees at Sannidhanam, including not allowing them to stay back at night.

Superintendent of Police (special officer) Pratheesh Kumar said people were detained for violating Section 144 that prohibits assembly of more than four people at a spot.

"Section 144 had been declared in the area. We had asked them to disperse after the Harivarasanam but most of them refused," the SP said, adding that the police was not against the devotees who wished to offer prayers.

"Those who have to offer 'neyyabhishekam' (anointing deity with ghee) can stay back. They can recite prayers also. We are not against it. The police will assist those who want to offer prayers," he said.

Police sources claimed they had information that the protesters might create trouble at Sannidhanam and therefore, precautions were taken accordingly.

Rajesh, one of the protesters, said, "We are devotees and we started reciting prayers but the police did not allow us, saying Section 144 (prohibitory orders) has been imposed."

He said he did not mind getting arrested for reciting prayers at Sannidhanam.

A large number of BJP and RSS workers protested outside the official residence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan late Sunday night against the detention of 68 persons at Sabarimala Temple.

A large number of BJP and RSS workers protested outside the official residence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan late Sunday night against the detention of 68 persons at Sabarimala Temple. "We arrested 68 devotees after overnight protests around Sabarimala," VN Saji, assistant commissioner of Kerala police said. The members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its mentor the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had gathered in front of Cliff House-- Vijayan's official residence at Nanthancode in Thiruvananthapuram. Simultaneous protests were also held at various places across the state in Aranmula, Kochi, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ranni, Thodupuzha, Kaladi, Malappuram and Idukki among others. To further intensify their stir against "police high handedness", a daylong state-wide agitation will be held on Monday by Yuvamorcha, the youth wing of the BJP, its chief said. "We have organised state-wide protest against this emergency like situation in the state," Yuvamorcha state president Prakash Babu said. The protesters were taken into preventive custody Sunday night at the Sabarimala Temple after fresh protests broke out at Nadapanthal area in Sannidhanam where hundreds of devotees agitated against the police restrictions. Even though there were unconfirmed reports that the detained protesters were taken to Maniyar police camp in Pathanamthitta district, officials at Pamba Police Station, which is around 3.5 km downhill, denied any knowledge. On the second day of the two-month-long pilgrimage season, the devotees had gathered at the covered pathway to the temple when they were asked to leave Sannidhanam. Due to the early incidents of violence at the hill-top shrine, the police had imposed strict restrictions for devotees at Sannidhanam, including not allowing them to stay back at night. Superintendent of Police (special officer) Pratheesh Kumar said people were detained for violating Section 144 that prohibits assembly of more than four people at a spot. "Section 144 had been declared in the area. We had asked them to disperse after the Harivarasanam but most of them refused," the SP said, adding that the police was not against the devotees who wished to offer prayers. "Those who have to offer 'neyyabhishekam' (anointing deity with ghee) can stay back. They can recite prayers also. We are not against it. The police will assist those who want to offer prayers," he said. Police sources claimed they had information that the protesters might create trouble at Sannidhanam and therefore, precautions were taken accordingly. Rajesh, one of the protesters, said, "We are devotees and we started reciting prayers but the police did not allow us, saying Section 144 (prohibitory orders) has been imposed." He said he did not mind getting arrested for reciting prayers at Sannidhanam.

Sabarimala: 68 devotees taken into preventive custody; BJP, RSS protest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BJP general secretary K Surendran was allegedly taken into preventive custody Saturday night and removed by police from Nilackal, the base camp, as he tried to leave for the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala.

Surendran, who was carrying the "Irrumudikettu" (bundle containing offerings for the Lord), was told by a police team led by Yatish Chandra, Superintendent of Police, not to proceed to the shrine as it would create law and order problems.

Surendran told the police he had come as a "Ayyappa Bhaktha" (devotee) and should be allowed to pray at the temple.

Chanting "Swamiyae Ayyappa", Surendran and others with him jostled with police and tried to move forward saying there was no question of going back.

Three of his supporters were also with Surendran when he tried to leave for the shrine.

They were removed by police and taken in a jeep.

Surendran later told PTI that he was being taken to the Chittar police station and said he did not know if he was being arrested or detained.

He also said he had taken receipt for performing the 'Neyyabhishekam' (ghee offering) ritual and 'Ganapathy Homam.'

Police had taken Hindu Aikya Vedi President, K P Sasikala, into preventive custody early Saturday from Marakootam near the Sannidhanam (temple complex).

She was later produced before the Thiruvalla magistrate and released on bail.&nbsp;

BJP general secretary K Surendran was allegedly taken into preventive custody Saturday night and removed by police from Nilackal, the base camp, as he tried to leave for the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala.

BJP general secretary K Surendran was allegedly taken into preventive custody Saturday night and removed by police from Nilackal, the base camp, as he tried to leave for the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala. Surendran, who was carrying the "Irrumudikettu" (bundle containing offerings for the Lord), was told by a police team led by Yatish Chandra, Superintendent of Police, not to proceed to the shrine as it would create law and order problems. Surendran told the police he had come as a "Ayyappa Bhaktha" (devotee) and should be allowed to pray at the temple. Chanting "Swamiyae Ayyappa", Surendran and others with him jostled with police and tried to move forward saying there was no question of going back. Three of his supporters were also with Surendran when he tried to leave for the shrine. They were removed by police and taken in a jeep. Surendran later told PTI that he was being taken to the Chittar police station and said he did not know if he was being arrested or detained. He also said he had taken receipt for performing the 'Neyyabhishekam' (ghee offering) ritual and 'Ganapathy Homam.' Police had taken Hindu Aikya Vedi President, K P Sasikala, into preventive custody early Saturday from Marakootam near the Sannidhanam (temple complex). She was later produced before the Thiruvalla magistrate and released on bail.

Sabarimala row: BJP leader taken into preventive custody from Nilackal

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

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

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

Sabarimala and downfall of Communist rule in Kerala

Activist Trupti Desai, who was forced to return to Pune without visiting Sabarimala Temple owing to a possible disruption of law and order, said she will next visit the hill shrine unannounced using "guerilla tactics"

"When we landed at the Kochi airport, protestors gathered there hurled abuses at us and threatened us to go back. The police, too, requested us to leave saying anything can happen. We didn't want anything to happen to the people of the state because of us, so we decided to return. Police have told us that they'll provide us security the next time we visit. This time we went there after announcing, but the next time we won`t announce that we`re visiting, but will follow guerrilla tactics," she told ANI.

Narrating her ordeal, Desai said that cab drivers were not ready to take her and her 7-member team to Sabarimala fearing agitation.

"Two taxis did arrive at the airport to take us to Sabarimala. However, protestors said they would destroy the cars and attack us. Therefore, the cabs denied to take us to Sabarimala," she explained.

The activist further said the Kerala government had failed in providing security to women wanting to visit Sabarimala. She further condemned the "hooliganism" witnessed at the Kochi airport upon her arrival.

"Protesters were resorting to violence and hooliganism, they should not have done that. They call themselves Lord Ayyappa`s devotees but I don't think they can be his devotees. They were verbally abusing us and threatening us. If they wanted to oppose us, they should have protested in Nilakkal but they knew that if we reached Nilakkal, we would advance to Pamba and return only after Darshan. They were scared and hence stopped us at the airport itself," she added.

Desai, who is the founder of the Bhumata Brigade, landed in Mumbai a few hours ago. However, she was stranded in the airport itself as protesters had gathered outside the airport to oppose her decision to visit Sabarimala. She and the other women were later brought out with the help of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawans and Mumbai police personnel.

The social activist had, on November 14, written a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that she would not leave Kerala if she was not allowed to enter the holy hill shrine.

The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests recently over the Supreme Court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of females aged between 10 and 50 years into the shrine.

As the Temple reopened yesterday for a two-month long pilgrimage season, Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was imposed in Nilakkal, Pamba, and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure.

Activist Trupti Desai, who was forced to return to Pune without visiting Sabarimala Temple owing to a possible disruption of law and order, said she will next visit the hill shrine unannounced using "guerilla tactics" "When we landed at the Kochi airport, protestors gathered there hurled abuses at us and threatened us to go back.

Activist Trupti Desai, who was forced to return to Pune without visiting Sabarimala Temple owing to a possible disruption of law and order, said she will next visit the hill shrine unannounced using "guerilla tactics" "When we landed at the Kochi airport, protestors gathered there hurled abuses at us and threatened us to go back. The police, too, requested us to leave saying anything can happen. We didn't want anything to happen to the people of the state because of us, so we decided to return. Police have told us that they'll provide us security the next time we visit. This time we went there after announcing, but the next time we won`t announce that we`re visiting, but will follow guerrilla tactics," she told ANI. Narrating her ordeal, Desai said that cab drivers were not ready to take her and her 7-member team to Sabarimala fearing agitation. "Two taxis did arrive at the airport to take us to Sabarimala. However, protestors said they would destroy the cars and attack us. Therefore, the cabs denied to take us to Sabarimala," she explained. The activist further said the Kerala government had failed in providing security to women wanting to visit Sabarimala. She further condemned the "hooliganism" witnessed at the Kochi airport upon her arrival. "Protesters were resorting to violence and hooliganism, they should not have done that. They call themselves Lord Ayyappa`s devotees but I don't think they can be his devotees. They were verbally abusing us and threatening us. If they wanted to oppose us, they should have protested in Nilakkal but they knew that if we reached Nilakkal, we would advance to Pamba and return only after Darshan. They were scared and hence stopped us at the airport itself," she added. Desai, who is the founder of the Bhumata Brigade, landed in Mumbai a few hours ago. However, she was stranded in the airport itself as protesters had gathered outside the airport to oppose her decision to visit Sabarimala. She and the other women were later brought out with the help of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawans and Mumbai police personnel. The social activist had, on November 14, written a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that she would not leave Kerala if she was not allowed to enter the holy hill shrine. The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests recently over the Supreme Court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of females aged between 10 and 50 years into the shrine. As the Temple reopened yesterday for a two-month long pilgrimage season, Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was imposed in Nilakkal, Pamba, and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure.

Will visit Sabarimala unannounced, using guerilla tactics: Trupti Desai

Rightwing Hindu outfits have called for a dawn to dusk&nbsp;in Kerala Saturday in protest against the arrest of a senior Sangh Parivar leader who was on the pilgrimage to Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.

VHP state president S J R Kumar alleged that Hindu Aikyavedi state President K P Sasikala was arrested by police near Marakkoottam near Sabarimala at 2.30 am Saturday.

"She was arrested as she was on the way to the hill shrine carrying irumudikkettu (bundle carrying sacred offerings) to offer prayers. Some other activists have been taken into preventive custody," Kumar told PTI.

He accused the Kerala government of trying to destroy the Sabarimala temple.

The VHP leader said essential services and vehicles of Ayyappa devotees will not be affected by the strike.

Unprecedented security arrangements have been made at the shrine, which opened for the third time Friday for the two-month-long pilgrimage season commencing Saturday after the Supreme Court allowed women of menstrual age to offer prayers.

The temple opened Friday amid a tense standoff involving <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-visit-sabarimala-next-unannounced-using-guerilla-tactics-trupti-desai-177797">social activist Trupti Desai in Kochi </a>and a move by its administrator to seek time from the Supreme Court to implement its verdict.

The 41-day mandalam festival will conclude on December 27 after Mandala pooja, when the shrine will close after the 'Athazhapuja' in the evening. It would reopen for the Makaravilakku festival on December 30.

The Makaravilakku festival would be celebrated on January 14 after which the shrine will close on January 20, marking the culmination of the pilgrim season, when laksh of devotees are expected to throng the shrine.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed widespread protests after the state government decided to implement the September 28 apex court verdict.

The Supreme Court is slated to hear petitions seeking review of its September 28 order in January, but has refused to stay it.

Rightwing Hindu outfits have called for a dawn to dusk in Kerala Saturday in protest against the arrest of a senior Sangh Parivar leader who was on the pilgrimage to Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.

Rightwing Hindu outfits have called for a dawn to dusk in Kerala Saturday in protest against the arrest of a senior Sangh Parivar leader who was on the pilgrimage to Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple. VHP state president S J R Kumar alleged that Hindu Aikyavedi state President K P Sasikala was arrested by police near Marakkoottam near Sabarimala at 2.30 am Saturday. "She was arrested as she was on the way to the hill shrine carrying irumudikkettu (bundle carrying sacred offerings) to offer prayers. Some other activists have been taken into preventive custody," Kumar told PTI. He accused the Kerala government of trying to destroy the Sabarimala temple. The VHP leader said essential services and vehicles of Ayyappa devotees will not be affected by the strike. Unprecedented security arrangements have been made at the shrine, which opened for the third time Friday for the two-month-long pilgrimage season commencing Saturday after the Supreme Court allowed women of menstrual age to offer prayers. The temple opened Friday amid a tense standoff involving social activist Trupti Desai in Kochi and a move by its administrator to seek time from the Supreme Court to implement its verdict. The 41-day mandalam festival will conclude on December 27 after Mandala pooja, when the shrine will close after the 'Athazhapuja' in the evening. It would reopen for the Makaravilakku festival on December 30. The Makaravilakku festival would be celebrated on January 14 after which the shrine will close on January 20, marking the culmination of the pilgrim season, when laksh of devotees are expected to throng the shrine. The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed widespread protests after the state government decided to implement the September 28 apex court verdict. The Supreme Court is slated to hear petitions seeking review of its September 28 order in January, but has refused to stay it.

Kerala braces for dawn-to-dusk strike as Sabarimala opens for pilgrims

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

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

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

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

The Kerala all-party meet on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gates-of-sabarimala-open-women-are-not-allowed-to-enter-171993">Sabarimala imbroglio</a> ended Thursday with the Congress and BJP walking out of the meeting.&nbsp;

After the nearly three-hour long meeting, dubbed a 'farce' by the opposition, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said his government was duty bound to enforce the court's September 28 verdict allowing women of all ages to pray at Lord Ayyappa hill temple.

"The government has no other option as Supreme Court has made it clear that the September 28 verdict has not been stayed, which means women in the 10-50 age group have the right to visit the Sabarimala temple," Vijayan told reporters.

News reports however quoted Kerala Vijayan as wondering whether women could visit the temple on separate days from men. "This needs to be discussed," he said.&nbsp;

The all-party meet was convened by Vijayan in the backdrop of state-wide protests by devotees after the Supreme Court ended an age-old ban on the entry of women in the 10-50 age group.

The opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front and the BJP staged a walkout from the meeting convened two days ahead of the temple's opening on November 17 for the two-month long pilgrim season when lakhs of devotees are expected to throng the shrine.

Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala accused the government of being adamant, while BJP state President PS Sreedharan Pillai said the meeting was a "waste of time".

Both the BJP and the Congress have led the protests against the Supreme Court verdict.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We must ensure that women during periods don't come to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. Since SC order is there,Govt can't do anything directly legally. So,CM is saying you can take action not to allow women&amp;advise them not to come: Pandalam erstwhile royal Shashi Verma after meeting Kerala CM <a href="https://t.co/nXOsfgka0a">pic.twitter.com/nXOsfgka0a</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1063049336374915072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, the erstwhile Pandalam Royal family, associated with the temple, told Vijayan that there was no change in its stand with regard to the rituals and traditions of the shrine and that it was against the entry of young women.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Kerala all-party meet on the Sabarimala imbroglio ended Thursday with the Congress and BJP walking out of the meeting. After the nearly three-hour long meeting, dubbed a 'farce' by the opposition, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said his government was duty bound to enforce the court's September 28 verdict allowing women of all ages to pray at Lord Ayyappa hill temple.

The Kerala all-party meet on the Sabarimala imbroglio ended Thursday with the Congress and BJP walking out of the meeting. After the nearly three-hour long meeting, dubbed a 'farce' by the opposition, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said his government was duty bound to enforce the court's September 28 verdict allowing women of all ages to pray at Lord Ayyappa hill temple. "The government has no other option as Supreme Court has made it clear that the September 28 verdict has not been stayed, which means women in the 10-50 age group have the right to visit the Sabarimala temple," Vijayan told reporters. News reports however quoted Kerala Vijayan as wondering whether women could visit the temple on separate days from men. "This needs to be discussed," he said. The all-party meet was convened by Vijayan in the backdrop of state-wide protests by devotees after the Supreme Court ended an age-old ban on the entry of women in the 10-50 age group. The opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front and the BJP staged a walkout from the meeting convened two days ahead of the temple's opening on November 17 for the two-month long pilgrim season when lakhs of devotees are expected to throng the shrine. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala accused the government of being adamant, while BJP state President PS Sreedharan Pillai said the meeting was a "waste of time". Both the BJP and the Congress have led the protests against the Supreme Court verdict. We must ensure that women during periods don't come to #SabarimalaTemple. Since SC order is there,Govt can't do anything directly legally. So,CM is saying you can take action not to allow women&advise them not to come: Pandalam erstwhile royal Shashi Verma after meeting Kerala CM pic.twitter.com/nXOsfgka0a — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 × Meanwhile, the erstwhile Pandalam Royal family, associated with the temple, told Vijayan that there was no change in its stand with regard to the rituals and traditions of the shrine and that it was against the entry of young women. (With inputs from PTI)

Sabarimala: Kerala govt wonders if women can visit temple on separate days from men

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that he has respect for the feelings of the devotees but is bound to implement Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala &nbsp;Temple issue.

''Supreme Court clearly says that the September 28 verdict stands. It means that the entry of women should be allowed. Government t cannot take any stand against this verdict,'' the Kerala CM said.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to give an urgent hearing to a petition seeking a stay on the top court`s order allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Supreme Court clearly says that the September 28 verdict stands. It means that the entry of women should be allowed. Govt cannot take any stand against this verdict. We respect the feelings of the devotees. We are bound to implement court verdict: Kerala CM on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ud5pfGcviL">pic.twitter.com/Ud5pfGcviL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062985460484595712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi refused to take up the plea on an urgent basis and stated that the matter would be heard on January 22.&nbsp;

The apex court on Tuesday had agreed to hear review petitions against its September 28 verdict that lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in menstruating ages into the holy shrine of Lord Ayappa.&nbsp;

The bench comprising CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justice RF Nariman, Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justice Indu Malhotra is scheduled to hear 49 petitions on January 22.

The apex court`s order allowing all women entry into the shrine witnessed a string of protests last month.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that he has respect for the feelings of the devotees but is bound to implement Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala Temple issue.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that he has respect for the feelings of the devotees but is bound to implement Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala Temple issue. ''Supreme Court clearly says that the September 28 verdict stands. It means that the entry of women should be allowed. Government t cannot take any stand against this verdict,'' the Kerala CM said. The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to give an urgent hearing to a petition seeking a stay on the top court`s order allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Supreme Court clearly says that the September 28 verdict stands. It means that the entry of women should be allowed. Govt cannot take any stand against this verdict. We respect the feelings of the devotees. We are bound to implement court verdict: Kerala CM on #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/Ud5pfGcviL — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 × Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi refused to take up the plea on an urgent basis and stated that the matter would be heard on January 22. The apex court on Tuesday had agreed to hear review petitions against its September 28 verdict that lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in menstruating ages into the holy shrine of Lord Ayappa. The bench comprising CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justice RF Nariman, Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justice Indu Malhotra is scheduled to hear 49 petitions on January 22. The apex court`s order allowing all women entry into the shrine witnessed a string of protests last month.

'We are bound to implement Supreme Court verdict': Kerala CM on Sabarimala 

Apex court to hear Sabarimala review pleas

The Supreme Court on Tuesday made it clear that fresh pleas relating to the Sabarimala Temple will be heard only after it decides the earlier petitions seeking review of the judgement allowing entry of women of all age groups into the shrine in Kerala.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that a five-judge bench is scheduled to hear in the chamber the review petitions at 3 pm today.

"Writ petitions will be heard after the orders in the review petitions," the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said while hearing the three fresh petitions filed by G Vijaya Kumar, S Jaya Rajkumar and Shailaja Vijayan challenging its September 28 verdict.

If the apex court decides to review the verdict then three fresh petitions will be heard along with review petitions.

If the court rejects review petitions then fresh petitions will be heard independently on merits.

A batch of 48 petitions seeking review of the judgement would be taken up for consideration in-chamber by a bench of Chief Justice Gogoi and Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra.

On September 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, had paved the way for the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday made it clear that fresh pleas relating to the Sabarimala Temple will be heard only after it decides the earlier petitions seeking review of the judgement allowing entry of women of all age groups into the shrine in Kerala.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday made it clear that fresh pleas relating to the Sabarimala Temple will be heard only after it decides the earlier petitions seeking review of the judgement allowing entry of women of all age groups into the shrine in Kerala. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that a five-judge bench is scheduled to hear in the chamber the review petitions at 3 pm today. "Writ petitions will be heard after the orders in the review petitions," the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said while hearing the three fresh petitions filed by G Vijaya Kumar, S Jaya Rajkumar and Shailaja Vijayan challenging its September 28 verdict. If the apex court decides to review the verdict then three fresh petitions will be heard along with review petitions. If the court rejects review petitions then fresh petitions will be heard independently on merits. A batch of 48 petitions seeking review of the judgement would be taken up for consideration in-chamber by a bench of Chief Justice Gogoi and Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. On September 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, had paved the way for the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

Sabarimala case: Supreme Court to take up review petitions at 3 pm today

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

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

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

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

The Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that it would hear the review petitions against its Sabarimala verdict on January 22, adding that it will be an open&nbsp;court hearing. The apex court refused to stay its earlier verdict in the case.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-supreme-court-to-take-up-review-petitions-at-3-pm-today-177005">top court on Tuesday made it clear</a> that fresh pleas, relating to the Sabarimala Temple, will be heard only after it decides the earlier petitions seeking review of the judgement allowing entry of women of all age groups into the shrine in Kerala.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> Case: Supreme Court orders open court hearing in all the 49 review petitions.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062288751278387201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Writ petitions will be heard after the orders in the review petitions," the bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said while hearing the three fresh petitions filed by G Vijaya Kumar, S Jaya Rajkumar and Shailaja Vijayan challenging its September 28 verdict.

On September 28, the Supreme Court of India pronounced its verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Supreme Court has admitted the review petitions and said all the review petitions to be heard on January 22 in the open court: Advocate Mathew Nedumpara. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> case <a href="https://t.co/HFuwB5dqNz">pic.twitter.com/HFuwB5dqNz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062298999808552960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A five-judge constitution bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, said the ban amounted to gender discrimination.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that it would hear the review petitions against its Sabarimala verdict on January 22, adding that it will be an open court hearing.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that it would hear the review petitions against its Sabarimala verdict on January 22, adding that it will be an open court hearing. The apex court refused to stay its earlier verdict in the case. The top court on Tuesday made it clear that fresh pleas, relating to the Sabarimala Temple, will be heard only after it decides the earlier petitions seeking review of the judgement allowing entry of women of all age groups into the shrine in Kerala. #SabarimalaTemple Case: Supreme Court orders open court hearing in all the 49 review petitions. — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × "Writ petitions will be heard after the orders in the review petitions," the bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said while hearing the three fresh petitions filed by G Vijaya Kumar, S Jaya Rajkumar and Shailaja Vijayan challenging its September 28 verdict. On September 28, the Supreme Court of India pronounced its verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple. Supreme Court has admitted the review petitions and said all the review petitions to be heard on January 22 in the open court: Advocate Mathew Nedumpara. #SabarimalaTemple case pic.twitter.com/HFuwB5dqNz — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × A five-judge constitution bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, said the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

Sabarimala: SC to hear review petitions on January 22, refuses to stay earlier verdict

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday, said that his government will take a final call on the Sabarimala case after consulting with legal experts, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister told media that the Supreme Court on today noted that its verdict, allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, stands and that the review petitions will be heard on January 22.&nbsp;

He said that the Kerala government will decide further course of action on the case after the 'Makaravilakku' pilgrim season ends on January 21.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
SC has clearly said that its verdict allowing entry of women between age groups 10-50 yrs to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> stands. Review petitions will be heard on Jan 22, after the 'Makaravilakku' season ends on Jan 21. Govt will discuss with legal experts &amp; move forward: Kerala CM <a href="https://t.co/ruF3HOsyZE">pic.twitter.com/ruF3HOsyZE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062313058834546699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We are waiting for details of the apex court's decision. The Chief Minister had earlier declared that whatever decision the apex court takes, it will be implemented.

The government will evaluate the situation and take an appropriate decision", he said

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-sc-defers-hear-review-petitions-on-january-22-refuses-to-stay-earlier-verdict-177077">Supreme Court today refused to stay its verdict</a> allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple, but agreed to hear in open court on January 22, a batch of review petitions in the matter.

The review petitions against the September 28 verdict were taken up 'in-chamber' by a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

"All the review petitions along with all pending applications will be heard in Open Court on 22nd January, 2019 before the appropriate Bench. 
We make it clear that there is no stay of the judgement and order of this Court dated 28th September, 2018 passed in Writ Petition (Civil) No.373 of 2006 (Indian Young Lawyers Association &amp; Ors. Vs.The State of Kerala &amp; Ors)," the order said.

There are around 50 petitions seeking review of the judgement.

On September 28, the Supreme Court of India pronounced its verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple.

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

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

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

sabarimala

Sabarimala, News on Sabarimala, stories on Sabarimala, articles on Sabarimala, Sabarimala stories at Wion, Sabarimala news, Sabarimala latest news