Sabarimala case: SC declines early hearing of petition against verdict allowing women's entry into temple

The top court had passed the verdict as it was hearing a clutch of petitions that have been challenging the ban on the entry of women, who are aged between 10 to 50 years, in Sabarimala Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. 

The petition against the top court's verdict has been filed by President of the National Ayyappa Devotees Association, NDTV reported.

The five-judge bench, headed by former Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, passed the judgement in favour of women with a 4:1 ratio. The only judge who had dissented, interestingly a woman, was Justice Indu Malhotra.

The former CJI was quoted by NDTV as saying, "Religion is for one dignity with identity. Right to practice religion available to men and women."

"Rules based on biological characteristics will not muster constitution," Justice Misra said asserting equality among men and women.

He also said, "Religion can't be a cover to deny rights."

On the contrary, Justice Malhotra said court should not interfere in religious matters.

The constitution protects religious practices, she said.

Several women activists have opposed the ban on the entry of women inside the temple.

Earlier in January this year, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Sabarimala Temple, had decided to make proof-of-age documents mandatory for female devotees at the shrine.

Sabarimala is a Hindu pilgrimage centre at the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District and witnesses one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world with an estimated 45–50 million devotees visiting every year.

Lord Ayyappa's temple is situated amidst 18 hills on a hilltop.

Meanwhile, the Kerala government had said it would not challenged the Supreme Court's verdict.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said the state government will ensure protection and facilities for all women who will enter the temple.