Keralam Government Opposes Transgender Person's Entry to Sabarimala; Informs Kerala HC
Kochi: The Keralam government has opposed allowing a transgender woman from Tamil Nadu to enter the Sabarimala temple, telling the Kerala High Court that proper medical or official documents confirming her gender identity are required before granting permission for darshan.
In an affidavit filed before the High Court, the government said it would support the stand taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and would not take a different position in the case.
The TDB had told the court that it was not authorised to examine or determine the petitioner's physical or biological characteristics. It said permission for darshan could not be granted without proper medical examination and certification from an authorised medical authority.
The Board also said that allowing entry without proper verification could affect the customs and traditions followed at the shrine.
The government said the legal issues related to entry rules, religious customs and rituals at Sabarimala are currently pending before the Supreme Court. It added that the temple administration must continue to follow the existing traditions until the court gives its final decision.
The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by Sathyashri Sharmila Rehemathali, a native of Tamil Nadu who identifies as a transgender woman. She has approached the High Court seeking permission for transgender people to undertake the Sabarimala pilgrimage after following the prescribed rituals.
According to the government, the petitioner had visited Sabarimala and offered prayers on January 3 and April 15 this year. However, on August 20, she was stopped near the Pamba Ganapathi Temple during routine police verification while proceeding towards Sannidhanam.
Police informed her about the entry requirements at the shrine. She later submitted requests to the Chief Secretary, senior police officials and the TDB administrative officer, seeking permission for darshan on August 26, the day of Thiruvonam.
The TDB said the petitioner had been asked to produce relevant medical or official documents from the competent authorities in Tamil Nadu to verify her status.
The government maintained that the petitioner was not entitled to the reliefs sought in the petition and requested the High Court to dismiss it.