Kerala Govt Supports Affidavit to Protect Sabarimala Traditions
Thiruvananthapuram: The LDF government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Friday decided to back a Supreme Court affidavit seeking steps to preserve the customs and traditions of Sabarimala, aligning with the Travancore Devaswom Board's position and reconsidering its earlier stance supporting the entry of women of all ages to the shrine. The shift in the state government's stand came after the CPM state secretariat expressed support for protecting traditions.
"The CPM state secretariat decided that, as required, the Kerala government 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 respected 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.
The 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 government, to clarify their stand by March 14.
The verdict sparked widespread protests and political divisions in the state, which have intensified ahead of the upcoming assembly election.