Kerala government now supports Sabarimala temple's entry restrictions for women
Kerala has switched its stance and now supports the traditional rule that restricts women of certain ages from entering the Sabarimala temple.
This move, announced on Friday, March 13, 2026, reverses its earlier support for open access and follows both a Supreme Court affidavit and pressure from the CPM to stick with tradition.
CPM state secretariat urges government to respect old traditions
The shift comes after the CPM state secretariat urged the government to honor old customs.
M V Govindan, CPM's state secretary, said they'll respond in court after looking at all legal angles.
This debate started with a 2018 Supreme Court verdict allowing women of menstruating age into Sabarimala, a decision that sparked protests and divided opinions across Kerala.
Now, with elections nearing and more court hearings ahead, the issue is back in focus.