Election buzz in Kerala amplifies as the powerful Travancore Devaswom Board reverses course on Sabarimala, pledging to safeguard the Ayyappa temple’s customs against women’s entry during fertile years. In a press meet, Chairman K. Jayakumar declared withdrawal of the board’s prior court affidavit, signaling a return to orthodoxy.
This comes against the backdrop of 2019’s tumult, where LDF’s endorsement led to devotee revolts and poll setbacks. CM Vijayan’s pro-entry drive, complete with escorted pilgrimages, galvanized opposition from Hindu groups preserving the deity’s ‘brahmachari’ vow.
The Supreme Court has set March 14 as the deadline for affidavits, with a mega-bench hearing from April 7-22 on review petitions challenging the path-breaking 2018 decision. Sixty-seven petitions expand scope to core constitutional debates on faith freedoms.
Perceived as preemptive politics, the shift aims to neutralize agitation risks. The state’s stance looms large, navigating faith sensitivities and legal duties.
From essential practices doctrine to morality-faith tensions, outcomes could redefine religious autonomy nationwide, with Centre’s support tipping scales toward tradition.