Just before the Kerala assembly elections, the Centre has filed a written submission in the Supreme Court on the Sabarimala temple women entry case. The government clarified that the restriction on women aged 10 to 50 is not based on discrimination or impurity, but to preserve Lord Ayyappa’s “Naishtika Brahmachari” (lifelong celibate) tradition and the temple’s long-standing rituals. The submission stated, “Allowing women in this age group could alter the core worship practices and the traditional form of the deity, potentially impacting religious pluralism protected under the Constitution.”
Supreme Court to Hear Final Arguments
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, will begin the final hearing on April 7. The bench will examine women’s entry into religious places, including Sabarimala, and the broader boundaries of religious freedom across faiths.
Sant Samiti Seeks Intervention
Ahead of the proceedings, the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti has requested permission to intervene, arguing that courts are not equipped to decide what counts as essential religious practices. The organisation, representing 127 sects of Sanatan Dharma, including 18.5 lakh priests and 12 lakh seers, stated, “Judges cannot act as authorities on matters of faith.”
Historical Context: 2018 Verdict
The issue traces back to September 2018, when a five-judge Constitution bench, in a 4:1 verdict, lifted the ban on women aged 10 to 50 entering the Sabarimala shrine. The court ruled that the centuries-old practice violated constitutional rights and was therefore illegal. The upcoming nine-judge bench will weigh religious traditions against principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Sabarimala Gold Controversy Becomes Election Issue
The controversy over missing gold from the temple has emerged as a major poll topic. The Congress Party has criticised the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) over the issue. Meanwhile, the BJP has promised in its manifesto to restructure the Devaswom Board, which manages the temple.
Kerala Elections on April 9
Kerala, with 140 assembly seats, will vote in a single phase on April 9, with results announced on May 4. The Sabarimala debate is expected to influence campaigning and voter sentiment across the state.
Why Does the Temple Restrict Women Aged 10-50?
The restriction aims to preserve Lord Ayyappa’s celibate tradition and maintain centuries-old rituals. The government emphasized, “This is not a matter of discrimination or impurity but about sustaining the deity’s established practices.”
What Are the Political Implications Ahead of Kerala Polls?
The Sabarimala case and missing temple gold have become key election issues. The Congress Party has criticised the ruling LDF, while the BJP has promised to restructure the Devaswom Board, which manages the temple. Kerala will vote on April 9, with results on May 4.
