Kerala’s Sabarimala saga takes a fresh twist with the Travancore Devaswom Board abandoning its pro-women entry stance in the Supreme Court. President K. Jayakumar confirmed the board will amend its 2019 affidavit to champion the temple’s hallowed traditions over modern interpretations.
Timed perilously close to assembly elections, this flip echoes lessons from 2019 when CPI(M)’s firm support for all-women access ignited fury among devotees, costing votes. Vijayan’s government had mobilized police for women’s treks up the hills, only to face boycotts and street unrest.
Responding to the top court’s February directive, parties must submit stances by March 14. Hearings kick off April 7 before nine judges, wrapping by April 22, delving into the 2018 judgment’s review amid 67 interconnected cases.
Key questions include Article 25-26 rights, what constitutes essential religious practice, balancing equality with belief, and judicial overreach limits. New Delhi’s nod to the review bolsters traditionalists.
For the LDF, this is high-stakes: alienate liberals or conservatives? The board’s retreat signals caution, potentially quelling pre-poll protests. As Kerala braces, Sabarimala remains a flashpoint where devotion meets democracy.