No one should interfere in temple traditions: Rajinikanth on Sabarimala

CHENNAI: Actor Rajinikanth on Saturday said he welcomes the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala, but at the same time cautioned that it is important to maintain tradition.

Rajinikanth was returning to Chennai from Varanasi where he was shooting for his latest Tamil film 'Petta'.

The actor said there should be no "interference" in temple traditions that are being followed for a long time, in his first response to the SC veridct.

Speaking to reporters here, he said there was no second opinion on equality for women in every sphere.

"But when you talk about a temple, every temple has its time honoured rituals, besides traditions being followed for a long time. My humble opinion is that no one should interfere in that," Rajinikanth said.

Noting that the top court verdict should be "respected", the 67-year-old actor, however, indicated that caution should be exercised when it comes to matters of religion and related rituals.

Kerala has been witnessing protests against the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into Sabarimala temple since the state government said it would abide by the apex court order.

The agitation intensified since the shrine was opened for the five-day monthly pooja on October 17.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the SC, headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

On the #MeToo movement that has seen several women levelling sexual harassment charges against men, including celebrities and political personalities, Rajinikanth said it was "beneficial" for women.

However, "it should not be misused and should (be) used properly," he cautioned.

On national award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu being accused of sexual harassment, the actor pointed out that the poet has denied the charges made by singer Chinmayi Sripaada.

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar, film personalities like Alok Nath, Subhash Ghai, Rajat Kapoor and Vairamuthu have been accused of sexual harassment by a number of women under the #MeToo movement.

(With inputs from PTI)