The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has objected to the stand taken by the Union and State governments in the Supreme Court on the Sabarimala issue, saying the recent verdict allowing entry of women of all age groups to the hill shrine may set a precedent for followers of other religious beliefs too.
Party general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty, MP, told the media here on Thursday that the governments should have described in detail the unique nature of the temple and the assorted religious beliefs and rituals there in the court. “The governments’ stand is problematic. They should have kept in mind the views of the people, a majority of whom are believers. Atheists may find it alright, though,” he pointed out. The IUML leader demanded that the State government file a review petition against the verdict.
Mr. Kunhalikkutty alleged that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP was playing hide-and-seek on the issue. The RSS had earlier welcomed the verdict, but now they have changed their stand. “The Centre's intentions are suspect. We don't know if they have some other plan in mind. They have already said they are for a uniform civil code,” he said.
Asked about Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's statement that the government was duty bound to implement the apex court verdict, the IUML leader said it was a “challenge to the people.” He pointed out that changes in religious customs and rituals, including entry of women into places of worship, could be changed only through a consensus among scholars and not by force.
“The government is in a hurry to implement the verdict without bothering to find the lapses. We will urge the United Democratic Front (UDF) not to change its earlier position, which is in line with the sentiments of the believers,” Mr. Kunhalikutty said.
