As the Kerala Assembly elections approach, the state government has adjusted its previous stance regarding the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple. In a recent affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the Left Front administration indicated that any decision on this sensitive matter should be made after consulting with social reformers, legal experts, and religious scholars. Additionally, the government has called on the Supreme Court to take into account feedback from devotees, particularly from women who wish to worship at the temple.

Historical Context of Restrictions

Traditionally, the Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, has imposed restrictions on female visitors, specifically prohibiting women aged between 10 and 50 from entering the premises. Only women who have not yet reached puberty and those over the age of 50 are currently allowed access. This policy has been a source of contentious debate, particularly since a significant Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that overturned these prohibitions.

Supreme Court Hearing Scheduled

A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, is set to commence discussions on April 7 regarding this issue. The court will revisit the landmark 2018 verdict, which endorsed the entry of women in the aforementioned age group into the temple. The change in the governmen’s position occurs just as the legal considerations are being reassessed.

Political Response to Government’s Shift

The recent development has sparked criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress and BJP. Commenting on the government’s decision, Congress MP K Suresh argued that the Pinarayi Vijayan administration is altering its approach in light of the impending elections. K Suresh noted that the Left Front faced significant backlash from Hindu organizations after attempting to implement the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, which contributed to its poor showing in the 2019 elections, where they lost 19 out of 20 contested seats. He suggested that this change of heart may be a strategic move to win back voter support, indicating that the government could revert to its previous position after the elections.

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