The Supreme Court decision on Tuesday to hear all review petitions and other applications on its own verdict that eased the restrictions on women’s entry to Sabarimala in an open court has left the floor open for varying interpretations.
Since the apex court has stated that its order and judgment on September 28 have not been stayed, the government could well claim that its stance against filing a review petition has been vindicated. The government had also reiterated its commitment to abide by the decision of the court.
Responding to the order here, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the September 28 order has not been stayed but the government would seek legal counsel in the wake of the decision to hear the review petitions in open court. CPI(M) State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan too responded to the decision in a similar tone.
Sigh of relief
The protesters, especially Sangh Parivar organisations and the BJP that had been on the warpath, too could heave a sigh of relief since their consistent demand to seek a legal remedy to end the impasse has yielded a partial positive outcome. A decision to reject the petitions would have rendered a severe blow to them, but the latest one could be at least be deemed as a face saver.
BJP State spokesperson M.S. Kumar described it as a historic and landmark decision that has duly justified the stance of those who had been out to protect the ritualistic tradition of Sabarimala.
Mr. Kumar also wanted the State government to be more acquiescent. “The government should shed its obstinate stance and heed the demand of the believers. It should not attempt to take women aged between 10 and 50 years to the shrine overlooking public protests,” Mr. Kumar said.
Tantris hail decision
Sabarimala high priests (tantris) Kandararu Rajeevararu, Kandararu Mohanararu, and Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu have welcomed the court decision. They said the SC decision was a great relief to Ayyappa devotees.
Pandalam Palace Managing Committee president P.G. Sasikumar Varma and secretary M.K. Narayana Varma said it is a God-given opportunity to the government to correct its mistakes.
Though the court decision has also opened a vestibule for consultations, the government still has the onerous task of maintaining a strict vigil to prevent the recurrence of untoward incidents similar to those erupted on November 6.
Vigilante groups may again make it to Sabarimala in the guise of pilgrims and identifying them may not be an easy task either. The government proposal to regulate the flow of pilgrims and impose curbs on their stay at the Sannidhanam may be put to test during the festival season.
