TDB to File Affidavit in Supreme Court to Protect Sabarimala Traditions, Opposing Women’s Entry
Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has stated that traditional customs at Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple must be protected and that it will inform its stand before the Supreme Court. The Board has decided to oppose the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple. While the Travancore Devaswom Board had supported women’s entry in 2019, the issue was reconsidered after the case once again came up before the Supreme Court. The decision was taken at a Board meeting held today.
Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar said the Board has no confusion regarding the issue of women’s entry and will oppose the existing order. An affidavit opposing women’s entry will be submitted before the court. He added that the Board stands with devotees and will protect traditional rituals and practices.
“It has to be informed to the Supreme Court before March 14. We have decided to appoint the concerned persons to inform the court,” he said.
He clarified that the TDB does not support the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict permitting the entry of women of menstrual age into the temple. “A resolution has been passed, and the affidavit will be filed in court,” he said, adding that the Devaswom Board has only one stand — that traditions should be protected and followed.
On September 28, 2018, a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra delivered a verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala. Among the five-judge bench, Justice Indu Malhotra was the only judge who delivered a dissenting opinion. Subsequently, the Supreme Court decided to review 67 petitions involving complex issues related to religious freedom, including women’s entry into Sabarimala.
In 2007, the government led by V. S. Achuthanandan informed the Supreme Court of its support for women’s entry. The subsequent Oommen Chandy government opposed the move, while in 2018 the Pinarayi Vijayan government again supported women’s entry before the court, following which the landmark verdict was delivered.
The review petitions in the matter are currently under consideration before the Supreme Court, which has directed all concerned parties, including the state government, to clarify their stand before March 14. In the present political context, the position taken by the state government is considered crucial in the case.