New Delhi: Four months after it allowed women of reproductive age entry into the Sabarimala temple, the Supreme Court today heard review petitions challenging its September verdict. After the hearing, a five-judge constitution bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi reserved the verdict in 65 petitions including 56 review petitions and 4 fresh writ petitions in the Sabarimala temple case.
In a U-turn, the board controlling the Sabarimala temple told the Supreme Court today that it supports the entry of women of all ages at Kerala's famous hill shrine. The board is controlled by the Kerala government, which has opposed any review of the top court's September order that opened the temple doors to women between the ages of 10 and 50 and set off a huge backlash.
The annual pilgrimage season saw violent protests recently as devotees of Lord Ayyappa, the celibate god, tried to stop women and girls between the ages of 10 and 50 years from entering the shrine.
One of the two women who eventually managed to enter the temple in January was even attacked allegedly by her mother-in-law.
The issue has also triggered a political slugfest between Kerala's CPM and the opposition parties, including the BJP and the Congress.
Here are the Highlights on the Sabarimala temple verdict in the Supreme Court:
Feb 06, 2019 17:23 (IST)
Review petitioner Rahul Easwar, president of the Ayyappa Dharma Sena, says: "It's unfortunate that the Devaswom board is cheating Sabarimala devotees by using Sabarimala money. If this doesn't work out, we will work towards an Ordinance. From PM Modi and Shashi Tharoor, everyone supports us."
Feb 06, 2019 14:55 (IST)
Supreme Court reserves judgment in 65 petitions including 56 review petitions and 4 fresh writ petitions in the Sabarimala temple case.
Feb 06, 2019 14:54 (IST)
Lawyer of a devotee supporting the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala temple says: "How can a 10-year-old affect the celibacy of God."
Feb 06, 2019 14:48 (IST)
"The next date of Sabarimala Temple opening is February 12. We should be allowed to enter the temple," advocate Indira Jaising tells Supreme Court.
Feb 06, 2019 14:24 (IST)
There is complete change of stand by the Travancore Dewasom Board, says Justice Indu Malhotra.
Feb 06, 2019 12:56 (IST)
The Bench rises for lunch. Hearing to continue at 2 pm.
Feb 06, 2019 12:55 (IST)
Jaideep Gupta concludes for State of Kerala.
Feb 06, 2019 12:38 (IST)
Chief Justice allots 90 minutes to those supporting the Supreme Court verdict. The Kerala state, while arguing in court, said there is no need to review the verdict.
Feb 06, 2019 11:56 (IST)
Senior Advocate Nafade now begins arguments for one of the petitioners
Feb 06, 2019 11:54 (IST)
The Supreme Court, in its September judgement, had said the practice is akin to untouchability.
Feb 06, 2019 11:53 (IST)
Untouchability will not be applicable here because it is not a caste or religion based exclusion. There is no exclusion of men and women, only exclusion for a class of women," Mr Singhvi argued.
Feb 06, 2019 11:52 (IST)
Now, Abishek Manu Singhvi argues for EX Chairman Of the Devaswom Board
