NEW DELHI: In a notable shift from its earlier unequivocal support for the entry of women of menstruating age into the famed Sabarimala Temple, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala has told the Supreme Court of India that the issue should be decided only after considering the views of religious scholars and social reformers.
In a fresh 17-page affidavit filed before the apex court, the state government said the question of whether the ban on women of menstruating age constitutes an “essential religious practice” should be examined only after assessing impartial opinions from eminent scholars of Hinduism and respected social reformers.
The affidavit states that the government cannot resolve the matter without consulting various religious and social groups and emphasizes the need to involve community leaders in the discussion.
It further argues that if the court considers it necessary to examine temple rituals and traditions, such an exercise should follow detailed consultations with knowledgeable religious authorities and reputed reformers.
The document responds to seven key questions framed by the Supreme Court concerning the relationship between the fundamental right to freedom of religion under Article 25 and the rights of religious denominations under Article 26 of the Constitution.
Observers note that the change in the state’s stance comes ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections and may reflect an attempt to address the sentiments of devotees while countering criticism from opposition parties.
The affidavit also maintains that individuals outside a religious tradition should not be allowed to challenge its practices through public interest litigation.
Earlier, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, decided to oppose the 2018 Supreme Court verdict permitting women of menstruating age to enter Sabarimala.
At a meeting held on March 2 in Thiruvananthapuram, the board resolved to file an affidavit opposing women’s entry and to uphold the shrine’s traditional customs and rituals.
However, in 2020, when the Supreme Court considered reviewing petitions against the women’s entry verdict, counsel for the TDB had argued that the judgment did not require reconsideration.
In its landmark 2018 ruling, the Supreme Court allowed women of all age groups to enter the Sabarimala temple, striking down a 1991 Kerala High Court judgment that had upheld the long-standing practice of barring women of menstruating age from the hill shrine.
At the time, the LDF government led by Pinarayi Vijayan strongly supported the Supreme Court verdict. The state administration facilitated the entry of two women — Bindu Ammini and Kanakadurga — into the temple, invoking constitutional principles of gender equality and fundamental rights.
The government now appears to be adopting a more cautious approach, seeking to avoid hurting the sentiments of devotees and religious organisations that hold significant influence in the state’s political landscape.
A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is scheduled to begin hearing the review petitions in the Sabarimala case on April 7, 2026. The court has directed all parties, including the Kerala government, to submit their written submissions by March 14, 2026. - The Statesman/ANN
