In a dramatic shift ahead of Kerala assembly elections, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to withdraw its earlier affidavit supporting women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple for those of menstruating age. TDB President K. Jayakumar announced on Monday that the board will now argue in the Supreme Court to protect the temple’s age-old traditions.
This reversal comes as political temperatures rise with elections looming. The board’s previous position in 2019 had sparked massive protests from devotees, contributing to electoral losses for the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF government. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had vocally backed women’s right to enter, launching campaigns that fueled widespread backlash.
The Supreme Court last month directed all parties, including the Kerala government, to file their responses by March 14. A nine-judge constitution bench will commence detailed hearings from April 7, aiming to conclude arguments by April 22. The case stems from a review petition challenging the 2018 verdict by a five-judge bench that allowed women of all ages to enter the Ayyappa shrine.
The TDB’s change in stance is seen as a strategic move to avert potential mass agitations before the polls. While the board prioritizes tradition, the state government’s position remains pivotal, balancing legal obligations with political realities.
Beyond Sabarimala, the court will address 67 related petitions raising profound constitutional questions on religious rights under Articles 25 and 26, essential practices, constitutional morality, and judicial review limits. The Centre has indicated support for the review petition.
This development reignites a polarized debate that has long divided Kerala society, testing the interplay between faith, law, and politics.