In a high-stakes prelude to the Supreme Court’s Sabarimala review, Kerala’s government is playing it safe. Facing demands from NSS and SNDP to abandon support for women of all ages entering the Ayyappa temple, the Vijayan regime promises a well-considered final word.
Law Minister P. Rajeev framed it as no black-and-white matter but a web of constitutional intricacies. Previously, Kerala backed the 2018 ruling in its affidavit, promoting faith-reform synergy. The mega-bench led by CJI Suryakant kicks off on April 7, with parties ordered to file arguments by March 14 and wrap debates by April 22.
Community heavyweights are unrelenting. NSS’s G. Sukumaran Nair urged a policy U-turn, safeguarding rituals from political meddling and quashing protest-related FIRs. SNDP’s Vellappally Natesan advocated measured reforms, firmly against entry alterations, and stakeholder hearings.
Post the epochal 2018 decision lifting the 10-50 age ban, Kerala saw massive unrest blending devotion and dissent. The shrine, drawing global pilgrims, symbolizes cultural continuity amid modernization pressures.
As review petitions argue essential practices, the government’s move could redefine temple governance. This saga spotlights tensions between orthodoxy and equality, with profound implications for India’s temple traditions and gender justice discourse.