Retired Justices S Siri Jagan and PR Raman, appointed by the Kerala high court, investigated the matter and found that there were no issues with transwomen visiting Sabarimala.
Pathanamthitta: Four transgenders, who were denied permission to visit the Sabarimala temple on Sunday, got approval to pray at the temple. The group visited the famous shrine on Tuesday.
Also read: Sabarimala: Prohibitory orders with riders extended till December 18
The police also were doubtful whether the Supreme Court judgment on September 28 allowing the entry of women between the age of 10 and 50 to Sabarimala applied to transgender women.
It is reported that the transgenders, on Monday, met IPS officer Hemachandran who is responsible for the affairs at Sabarimala. He then checked with other two committee members about the issue.
Retired Justices S Siri Jagan and PR Raman, appointed by the Kerala high court, investigated the matter and found that there were no issues with transwomen visiting Sabarimala.
Soon, the state police told the four that they would escort them safely to the Sannidhanam and back on Tuesday.
On December 16, the Erumely Police had blocked the group of four transgenders who attempted to enter the shrine. According to reports, the police first told them that if they change into men's attire, they would be allowed. However, later police refused them permission to visit the Lord Ayyappa shrine.
The four transgenders have been identified as Trupthi, Ananya, Avanthika and Ranjumol who are said to be from Kottayam and Ernakulam. The four also alleged that they had maintained the required fast and were carrying the irumudikettu (holy offerings Ayyappa devotees carry).
Recently, on December 14, a 30-year-old transgender who was identified as Mohan from Tamil Nadu was sent back from the Sannidhanam even after producing the required documents to prove identity as transgender. Nonetheless, the Devaswom Board president, A Padmakumar said that he does not know whether it will be against the rituals but stated that the board will accept whatever initiatives the police take.
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