Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has submitted a new affidavit in the Supreme Court regarding the issue of women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple. The state has taken the position that if the court considers examining the long-standing customs followed at Sabarimala, such a process should be carried out only after detailed consultations with scholars and social reformers belonging to the concerned community.
In the 17-page affidavit, the government has responded to seven constitutional questions raised in connection with the case. The state explained that its current stand takes into account the developments that occurred after the Supreme Court’s earlier verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple, as well as the reactions that emerged among women devotees.
The government also noted that concerns had earlier been raised over the involvement of people from other faiths in religious matters and what was perceived as excessive judicial intervention in such issues.
Seeking the opinions of scholars and social reformers as a neutral group would help ensure fairness in addressing the matter, the affidavit stated. The government also emphasized that any changes to religious customs should be preceded by proper study and broad discussions.
