Sabarimala: Ban on women fails four key tests of constitutional morality

Sabarimala: Ban on women fails four key tests of constitutional morality

Sabarimala: Ban on women fails four key tests of constitutional morality on Business Standard.

Excluding menstruating women from the shrine also violates Article 17 -- the Constitutional provision prohibiting untouchability

Latest News The Sabrimala dispute Sabrimala is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. By most accounts, it is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. The faithful believe that Lord Ayyappa’s powers derive from his ascetism, in particular from his being celibate. Those who believe in Lord Ayyappa and offer prayer are expected to follow a strict ‘Vratham’ or vow over a period of 41 days.

While there are numerous Ayyappa Temples in India, the one in Sabarimala is unique, in that it depicts Lord Ayyappa as a 'Naishtika Brahmacharya' -- his powers derive specifically from abstention from sexual activities. Males of all religions are allowed on the pilgrimage. However, women between the ages of 10 and 50 are barred from participating in the rituals.

The exclusion was given legal sanction by Rule 3 (b) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorization of Entry) Rules 1965. The validity of the rule and other provisions restricting entry of women was decided by the Supreme Court last month. A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Sabarimala followed the path of Ambedkar and Mahaaj Chitra Thirunal. The Court, by a majority of

4:1, struck down the practice that barred entry of women into Sabrimala. It held that the exclusion of women between the ages of 10 and 50 from entry into the shrine was violative of the Constitution.

READ MORE Source :- BS Business Standard