Sabarimala Temple: Despite Supreme Court Verdict, Women’s Access Faces Obstacles and Violence

Despite the clear Supreme Court ruling that permits women of all ages to worship at the Sabarimala temple, obstacles and acts of violence continue to limit their access. This situation raises questions about the true implementation of the court's orders and the responsibility of the state government.

Supreme Court’s Decision and Its Implication

The Supreme Court's verdict was unequivocal, declaring that women are entitled to enter and worship at the Sabarimala temple. However, several factors have hindered the full realization of this decision. Currently, the temple is not seeing true worshippers but individuals who pose for cameras or those belonging to different faiths merely seeking access. This lack of genuine participation underscores the need for urgent implementation of the Supreme Court's orders.

Call for Loan Remission for Women Seekers

There is an urgent need for the government to step in and provide support to women who wish to visit the temple. One proposed solution is remission of loans for women who come for worship. This initiative would not only encourage women to visit the temple but also provide them with financial relief, thereby making their pilgrimage more manageable.

Challenges Faced by the State Government and Women

The state government of Kerala has made significant efforts to facilitate the entrance of women into the Sabarimala temple. However, a small section of hoodlums, supported by the BJP-RSS, have been working to defy the Supreme Court's judgment and prevent women from entering the temple. These individuals have not succeeded in preventing all women from entering, but they have caused significant turmoil and violence in the temple precincts.

These acts of violence have prompted women to seek round-the-clock police protection. The state government is now stretched thin because of these hooligans, with police units maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to prevent further incidents of violence and providing protection to the women who have already entered the temple. The BJP’s lack of intervention in addressing this issue has raised further concerns.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The situation at Sabarimala temple continues to be a stark reminder of the challenges faced in implementing landmark Supreme Court decisions. The state government must take immediate action to ensure the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s orders and provide the necessary support to women. It is hoped that this issue will be resolved swiftly and the temple will once again serve as a symbol of harmony and inclusion.

For any updates or further discussions on this topic, please visit my blog Shades of Knife. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and just society.