The ban on the entry to Sabarimala of women between ages 10 to 50 should not only be looked upon as a gender issue but also as one relating to temples. In today’s political situation, there is every possibility of communal elements whipping up religious sentiments to polarise society and consolidate divisive forces. Such a possibility does not bode well for the secular fabric of the country. The larger issues really affecting women are health care, education, access to job opportunities, equal pay, pre- and post-natal care, honour killings and other issues affecting the lives and status of women in a civilised society. The Supreme Court has its task cut out in trying to balance protecting women’s rights on one hand and religious sentiments on the other.
N.G.R. Prasad,
Chennai