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In 2002, the Supreme Court upheld a Kerala High Court judgment that allowed non-Brahmins to officiate as priests. The Bench observed that any custom or usage, irrespective of its existence in pre-Constitution days, cannot be countenanced as a source of law to claim any rights when it is found to violate human rights and social equality.

Therefore, tradition is not an unquestionable static code. Scriptures and practices must be practiced in tune with the contemporary objectives of the nation at large. In the past, the bhakti movement lifted Hinduism out of empty ritualism towards equality, surrender and devotion. Similarly, various practices considered fait accompli in earlier times are thoroughly unacceptable today, such as the prevention of temple entry to lower castes, the devadasi system and sati.

To speak of women 'desecrating' a place of worship today is a sad commentary on our collective psyche and cannot be excused on grounds of faith and custom. Almost sixty years have passed since the Indian constitution hailing the lofty ideals of equality and freedom of religion was set in place. Article 25 ensuring uninhibited access to Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes has unfortunately done nothing to stop discrimination against women in this respect. Sabarimala is a publicly-funded temple according to Article 290A and it is only right that those women devotees who wish to visit are allowed to do so.

Concluded.

* Contributed by: -
Remya Mohan,
Alumnus of SCMHRD, Pune,
Currently preparing for the Civil Services Examination,
Published work in PIONEER and THE INDIAN EXPRESS.