India supreme court lifts temple ban on menstruating women

A significant development!

On March 29, 2020, the Supreme Court of India lifted the centuries-old ban on menstruating women entering the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, a prominent Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The court's decision was a landmark victory for gender equality and women's rights in India.

Background: The Sabarimala Temple has been a subject of controversy for decades, with a ban on women of menstruating age (between 10 and 50 years) entering the temple. This ban was based on a centuries-old tradition and a belief that women in this age group would "pollute" the temple.

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the ban was unconstitutional and violated the fundamental rights of women, including the right to equality and freedom of religion. However, the court also allowed the temple authorities to implement certain restrictions to ensure the sanctity of the temple.

The recent judgment: On March 29, 2020, the Supreme Court lifted the ban on menstruating women entering the temple, effectively allowing all women, regardless of their age, to worship at the shrine. The court ruled that the ban was a form of gender discrimination and was not supported by any religious or scriptural evidence.

The judgment was delivered by a three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, and Justice Indira Banerjee. The court observed that the ban was a "barrier to the entry of women" and was not in line with the principles of equality and justice.

Impact: The lifting of the ban is expected to have a significant impact on women's rights in India, particularly in the context of religious freedom and equality. The judgment is seen as a major victory for women's empowerment and a step towards promoting gender equality in the country.

However, the decision has also sparked controversy, with some Hindu groups and temple authorities opposing the move. The Kerala government has announced that it will implement the court's order and ensure that women of all ages can worship at the temple.

Overall, the Supreme Court's decision is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and women's rights in India, and it is expected to have far-reaching implications for women's empowerment and religious freedom in the country.