News

A Hindu is a Hindu, Supreme Court says on the ban on women's entry in Sabarimala temple

by IBNS 14 Apr 2016, 09:53 am

New Delhi, Apr 14 (IBNS) Observing that there is no gender discrimination in the Hindu religion, the Supreme Court has said denying women the right to worship at Kerala's Sabarimala temple could amount to violation of their constitutional right to equality.

"A Hindu is a Hindu," the court remarked on Wednesday during hearing on whether the famous temple must end a centuries-old ban on women of reproductive age. "In the Hindu religion there is no discrimination of a Hindu male or female," the court said.

The  trust that governs the Sabarimala temple and the Kerala government have both told the Supreme Court that the traditional ban on women must be preserved.  They argued today that the deity at the temple is a brahmachari or celibate, and the presence of women who are capable of giving birth impedes upon his "purity".

Just days ago, the Bombay High Court ordered that women must be allowed access to all temples where men are permitted.  

That verdict ensured that women devotees were able to offer prayers to the outdoor idol at the famous Shani Shingnapur temple in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.