Women entry to Sabarimala Temple: Centre to ascertain its stand, says Gowda

Gowda said he was in the process of discussions with his senior law officers on the issue. “…I have to collect so
many materials, then only I can go ahead,” he said.

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When pointed out that the question of “gender inequality” prevails in the case, he said, “I don’t think so.”
“Because…see in various temples, churches, masjids, there are various restrictions and various rituals that are
being performed since time immemorial. But here, as far as the present petition is concerned, they said the fundamental rights are being violated. For that reason it has to be widely argued and all these areas need to be covered. So now we are collecting all materials from various corners and we will place our arguments after collecting all the materials,” Gowda said.

He said until the verdict comes out, he was not in a position to say anything on the matter. “We have to wait and
see,” the Minister said.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had questioned the age-old tradition of banning entry of women in the menstrual age group in the holy hill shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, saying it cannot be done under the Constitution.

“The temple cannot prohibit entry (women), except on the basis of religion. Unless you have a constitutional right, you cannot prohibit entry. Anyway, we will examine it on February 8,” a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and N V Ramana had said.

The bench said this while hearing a PIL filed by Young Lawyers Association, seeking entry for all women and girls in the Sabarimala temple which, as a practice, does not allow women to enter the premises after attaining puberty.