Kochi: The Kerala High Court has concurred with the state government's stand that it would ensure protection to devotees seeking to enter the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala. The HC made the observation while considering a plea by women lawyers who sought protection to enter the temple that has been at the centre of a row after the Supreme Court recently allowed women of all age groups to enter the hill shrine.
The HC termed the lawyers' plea as immature as the state has taken measures to secure the entry of devotees. However, it expressed dissatisfaction over the recent violent incidents in the vicinity of Sabarimala and directed the government to take action against the troublemakers. The Kerala government told the court that criminals were behind such incidents and vowed that it would give protection to devotees.
Meanwhile, the HC has expressed displeasure with another plea seeking ban on the entry of non-Hindus at the Lord Ayyappa temple.
"Sabarimala temple is a symbol of secularism. Anyone can go to the temple," the HC observed, while criticising TG Mohandas who had filed the petition. Mohandas is associated with BJP's intellectual cell.
The court noted in this context that devotees visit the Vavar mosque before arriving at the Sabarimala temple. The court will take up Mohandas' plea after a fortnight.
Second set of 210 photos released
The Kerala Police have released a second set of photos of 210 people who were reportedly involved in protests over Sabarimala row. With this, the number of photos released by the police has risen to 420.
A five-judge Constitution bench in a 4:1 verdict last month lifted the centuries-old ban on entry of women of child-bearing age into the hilltop shrine. However, Kerala witnessed massive protests after the LDF government decided to implement the Supreme Court order. At least 12 women in the 10-50 age group had made a vain bid to trek the hills.
