“Ayyappa a ‘Naishtika Brahmachari’; Centre Opposes Women’s Entry at Sabarimala Temple in Supreme Court of India”
New Delhi: The Central Government has strongly opposed the entry of women of menstruating age into Sabarimala Temple, telling the Supreme Court of India that the earlier verdict allowing such entry was incorrect.
In a written submission filed on its behalf by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the Central Government argued that Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala is a *Naishtika Brahmachari* (eternal celibate), and that this belief forms the basis of the restriction on women’s entry.
The Central Government emphasized that the practice has been followed for centuries and continues to be observed by millions of devotees, including both men and women. It contended that courts should not interfere in long-standing religious customs for the sake of a few individuals.
According to the Central Government, permitting women’s entry would alter the essential character of worship at the temple. It maintained that the restriction is not discriminatory but is rooted in the unique nature and identity of the deity, adding that courts do not have the authority to examine such matters of faith.
The Central Government also criticised the earlier judgment, stating that adopting rulings from foreign courts without considering India’s unique religious and cultural context is not appropriate.
Further, the Central Government pointed out that the petition seeking women’s entry was filed by an organisation registered in Punjab, claiming it lacked adequate understanding of the traditions and practices associated with Sabarimala.
The submission comes as a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India is set to begin hearing the case, with petitions scheduled for review from April 7.