'Concerned that larger bench order may affect entry rights'

Activist Trupti Desai , who has been spearheading a campaign for women’s right to worship in temples, once again plans to visit the Sabarimala temple. This comes after Supreme Court refused to stay its September 28, 2018, judgment allowing entry of women of all age groups into Sabarimala. Following the apex court’s verdict on Thursday, here’s what Desai, and Bindu Ammini and Kanakadurga , two women who created history by entering the shrine in January this year, had to say

Kanakadurga 41

Government employee from Malappuram district

The earlier verdict permitting women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala was an appropriate one that respected the freedom of worship and the fundamental rights. When the apex court decides that the review petition against that order should be referred to a larger bench, it raises the concern whether the verdict of the larger bench would affect these rights. But my opinion is that let the new bench take the decision, even though it is likely to further delay the final verdict. However, I’m hoping for the best. But at the same time, we feel this verdict is a political one. Still, the relief is that the apex court has not stayed the earlier verdict, which means young women can still enter the shrine, and my hope is that young women will visit Sabarimala, as there is no legal objection to it.

Bindu Ammini 41

Guest faculty, Govt Law College, Kozhikode

I feel this verdict is a political one and I am somewhat disappointed because I fear that it would affect the basic structure of our Constitution, the separation of powers envisaged in it as also the independence of judiciary. If that happens it would affect our democracy because the three branches of government — executive, legislative, and judicial — should remain independent to strengthen our democracy. Moreover, as per the rule, the review petition should be given to the same bench that issued the verdict but here it was given to another bench, and that is why I feel the decision to refer the review petitions to a larger bench is a political one. Still, I hope justice will prevail and the positive thing is that the Supreme Court has not stayed the earlier verdict, and hence the young women who want to go to Sabarimala should be given protection.

Trupti Desai 34

Activist & founder of Bhumata Brigade

SC’s decision is a step in the right direction to ensure women’s equality. Now, it is the responsibility of the state government to ensure that they provide protection to women willing to enter the temple. The temple opens on November 17 and we believe that the government will help us in reaching Sabarimala and we won’t need to apply any guerrilla technique for the entry