The bench also said that the petition was likely to disturb the secular fabric of society. (Express photo by Vignesh Krishnamoorthy)
Observing that the Sabarimala temple is a symbol of communal harmony, the Kerala High Court on Monday rejected a petition seeking a ban on entry of non-Hindus in the shrine.
Noting that the temple belonged to all faiths and not just Hindus, the bench comprising P R Ramachandra Menon and Devan Ramachandran rejected the petition filed by BJP state intellectual cell convener T G Mohandas. The bench also said that the petition was likely to disturb the secular fabric of society.
Then bench said that pilgrims can go to the temple for ‘darshan’ even without carrying erumudi kettu (a travel pouch carried on head by pilgrims). The pouch, which contains offerings for the deity, was mandatory only if the devotees go to the shrine through the 18 sacred steps.
The court warned that action will be taken against police officials who illegally registered cases against devotees, including women, who were protesting against the Supreme Court order allowing entry of women of all ages to the temple. The court has sought a report from the state government in this regard.
Meanwhile, the state submitted an affidavit in the high court, saying that the government was duty-bound to provide protection to genuine devotees, irrespective of their gender. Taking cognizance of the undertaking, the division bench junked the petition filed by four women, seeking police protection for their visit to Sabarimala. The court observed that the apprehension raised by the women was premature.