The Supreme Court which is hearing the plea against restricting women’s entry in Sabarimala temple has made the observation that Hinduism does not differentiate between male and female.'
The Supreme Court on Wednesday was hearing a plea against restricting women’s entry in Kerala’s Sabarimala temple.
"A Hindu is a Hindu, no matter male or female," observed the bench.
The apex court had earlier sought to examine previous judgments on entry of women in religious places, while underlining that any religious practice banning their entry will have to necessarily pass the test of constitutionality.
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the ‘Indian Young Lawyers’ Association’, seeking entry of women in the Sabarimala temple.
The hearing came close on the heels of the Bombay High Court order directing Maharashtra Government to ensure that women are not denied entry at any temple.
Defending the ban, the Sabarimala temple administration earlier said the tradition is connected to essential religious practice.
Supporting them, the Kerala Government told the court that beliefs and customs of devotees cannot be changed through a judicial process and that the opinion of the priests is final in matters of religion.
(With ANI inputs)
