Activist Trupti Desai, who has been spearheading a campaign for womens right to worship in temples, once again plans to visit the Sabarimala temple. This comes after Supreme Court refused to stay its September 28, 2018, judgment allowing entry of women of all age groups into Sabarimala. Following the apex courts verdict on Thursday, heres what Desai, and Bindu Ammini and Kanakadurga, two women who created history by entering the shrine in January this year, had to say
Kanakadurga 41
Government employee from Malappuram district
The earlier verdict permitting women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala was an appropriate one that respected the freedom of worship and the fundamental rights. When the apex court decides that the review petition against that order should be referred to a larger bench, it raises the concern whether the verdict of the larger bench would affect these rights. But my opinion is that let the new bench take the decision, even though it is likely to further delay the final verdict. However, Im hoping for the best. But at the same time, we feel this verdict is a political one. Still, the relief is that the apex court has not stayed the earlier verdict, which means young women can still enter the shrine, and my hope is that young women will visit Sabarimala, as there is no legal objection to it.
Bindu Ammini 41
Guest faculty, Govt Law College, Kozhikode
I feel this verdict is a political one and I am somewhat disappointed because I fear that it would affect the basic structure of our Constitution, the separation of powers envisaged in it as also the independence of judiciary. If that happens it would affect our democracy because the three branches of government — executive, legislative, and judicial — should remain independent to strengthen our democracy. Moreover, as per the rule, the review petition should be givRead More – Source