In Sabarimala Uturn, Kerala backs tradition on entry of women

Thiruvananthapuram: The LDF govt in Kerala decided Friday to back a Supreme Court affidavit seeking steps to preserve the customs and traditions of Sabarimala, aligning with the Travancore Devaswom Boards position and reconsidering its earlier stance of supporting the entry of women of all ages to the shrine. The shift in the state govts stand came after the CPM state secretariat came out in favour of traditions.

The CPM state secretariat decided that, as required, the Kerala govt may give an appropriate response (in the Supreme Court) after examining its legal and constitutional aspects, CPM state secretary M V Govindan said.

He said the party had always been respectful of the sentiments of the faithful and wanted a decision on Sabarimala to be taken after consulting experts in the field. We have to reply to seven questions, and none of them ask whether women should be allowed entry into Sabarimala or not. It is not just about Sabarimala; it is a constitutional issue before the apex court that concerns all religions, Govindan said.

CPM had supported the 2018 Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of menstruating age into the temple. With review petitions now under consideration, the apex court asked the aggrieved parties, including the state govt, to clarify their stand by March 14.

The judgment had triggered widespread protests and a sharp political divide in the state. The upcoming assembly election has only sharpened the divide.

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