Sathyashri Sharmila Rehemathali moves Kerala High Court after Sabarimala denial
Sathyashri Sharmila Rehemathali, a transgender person, has taken her case to the Kerala High Court after being stopped from entering the Sabarimala temple on August 20.
She says there's no official rule keeping transgender people out and that her pilgrimage was unfairly cut short.
The court is now asking state authorities and the temple board for their side.
Seeks Thiruvonam visit and legal action
Rehemathali claims police stopped her near Pamba Ganapathy Temple, citing instructions from the temple board, but they wouldn't give her anything in writing.
She had previously visited Sabarimala twice before in January and April, 2026.
Now, she's asking for permission to visit during Thiruvonam on August 26 and wants action against officials who violated her rights under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
The temple board says it can't step in until a Supreme Court ruling on women's entry is made.