Government says entry rules linked to deity’s nature, not gender bias
The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court of India that restrictions on who may enter certain places of worship are based on religious traditions and should not be seen as gender discrimination, as the long-pending Sabarimala case comes up for review.
In its submission, the government argued that the practice at the Sabarimala Temple is rooted in the unique nature of the deity, Lord Ayyappa, who is believed to be a “Naishtika Brahmachari” (eternal celibate).
‘Practice part of faith, not exclusion’
Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that allowing entry of women of certain age groups would alter the long-standing character of worship at the temple.
The Centre maintained that the restriction is not about impurity or inferiority, but about preserving a centuries-old religious tradition followed by devotees.
Centre cautions court on religious matters
The government also urged the court to avoid evaluating religious practices based on ideas like “rationality” or “modernity.”
It argued that such issues fall within the domain of faith and denominational rights, and courts are not equipped to interpret religious doctrines or theological beliefs.
Background: 2018 verdict under review
The submission comes ahead of hearings on review petitions against the 2018 Supreme Court judgment, which had allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple.
The case has remained one of the most debated issues, balancing religious freedom with questions of equality.
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