#WomenInSabarimala: Board may seek more time from SC for order-implementation
With just one day left before the gates of Sabarimala Temple in Kerala would open for devotees, the board which manages the hill shrine may seek more time from the Supreme Court to implement the order that allowed women of all ages to enter the place of worship. The apex court had last month scrapped the centuries-old rule which barred women of menstruating age from entering the temple.
Earlier, Ranjan Gogoi refused urgent hearing on verdict's review plea
The Travancore Devaswom Board, which handles the temple, had spoken about filing a review petition against the order. A few days ago, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi refused to hear the review plea on urgent basis. Notably, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which has a government in the state, also refused to file a review petition against the majority verdict.
Devotees have started arriving at camp
SC's progressive order meets protests in Kerala
Taking a progressive stand, the SC noted the rule against women's entry was discriminatory. But in the Southern State, the protests against the verdict have gained momentum, with thousands taking to streets on Monday with a picture of Lord Ayappa, the deity. The BJP has given a 24-hour deadline to Pinarayi Vijayan government to resolve the matter, or face agitation.
Board may tell court protests are getting out of control
BJP's state unit chief PS Sreedharan Pillai slammed the CPI(M) and claimed "atheists wanted to destroy the temple". Meanwhile, Shiv Sena has threatened mass immolation if women enter the temple. It is likely that the board will use these excuses to seek extension of time. The board is likely to tell the court the issue is getting out of hands.
Amid protests, board is hopeful decision will be reached amicably
According to reports, the board may also cite poor infrastructure and damage due to Kerala floods as reasons to seek time extension. The temple board president A Padmakumar said they are looking to discuss all issues and are hopeful a decision would be reached amicably. Separately, a member of the Pandalam royal family said they want to maintain the status quo of the temple.
