After the Supreme Court decided to refer the Sabarimala case to a larger bench, has the tension in Kerala decreased or increased? Let us ask the Keralites, who stood up and fought against women's entry in the shrine.
Ayyappa devotees welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to refer the Sabarimala case to a larger bench after reviewing petitions seeking a rethink of the apex court’s 2018 judgment that allowed women between the ages of 10 to 50 to enter the shrine.
"Our prayers are heard by Lord Ayyappa, so Supreme Court has referred the Sabarimala case to a larger bench. I hope the larger bench would pronounce their decision soon before the shrine is opened," said Rupesh Chirakkal, Hindu activist.
Binil Somasundaram said, "Happy that the Supreme Court referred the case to a larger bench, but at the same time, there is no stay on women's entry which is putting us in dilemma. If women come to the shrine claiming that there is no stay on women's entry, our team won't allow them to enter the shrine." He added that he and his team would be at the shrine from November 16.
A few months ago, two women from Kerala, Bindu and Kanakadurga, with the help of government officials managed to enter the shrine. This triggered massive protests in the state. When MyNation asked Kanakadurga about her plans to enter the shrine again, she said that she hasn't planned to enter the shrine.
When MyNation asked Bindu, she too refused to give a proper answer to the question. She added she would support the women who want to enter the shrine.
Meanwhile, Rehana Fathima, who tried entering the Sabarimala shrine in October last year and returned after severe protests, said she is happy about the Supreme Court verdict that referred the Sabarimala case to a larger bench after reviewing petitions seeking a rethink of the apex court’s 2018 judgment. She added that this decision would create an opportunity for more discussions on gender equality
"Though the constitution guarantees fundamental rights, we cannot exercise them, and I certainly have plans to go again. But at the same time, I have promised my kids that I will take them with me to the shrine and hope that there will be a situation where all of us will be able to go together to Sabarimala," said Fathima.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.