Women Of All Ages Can Enter Sabarimala Temple, Says Top Court, Ending Ban

Sabarimala verdict: For decades, women of menstrual age were restricted from entering the temple as its presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa, is considered to be a celibate.

All India | Edited by | Updated: September 28, 2018 13:09 IST

Sabarimala verdict: "Religion is for one dignity with identity," the Supreme Court said

New Delhi:  Women of all ages must be allowed in Kerala's renowned Sabarimala temple, the Supreme Court ordered today, ending a ban on the entry of women between 10 and 50 years. "The practice of age restriction... can't be treated as essential religious practice," the top court said in a majority four-one judgement, adding that the custom violated the fundamental rights and constitutional guarantees of women. The only woman judge on the five-judge constitution bench, Justice Indu Malhotra, has a dissenting view.