Ayushi A. Malik, Institute of Law, Nirma University
Case Name: Indian Young Lawyers Association & Ors. V. State of Kerela & Ors.
Citation: 2018 SCC Online SC 1690
FACTS OF THE CASE:
The current facts relate to the Sabarimala shrine, a Hindu temple in the Pathanamthitta district of the Indian state of Kerela dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and his devotees Ayyappan. Travancore Devaswom Board, which was established by the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Act, 19501, is the legal entity in charge of managing and administering the temple. Due to tradition and age, the temple had prohibited women of menstruating age, or women between the ages of 10 and 50, from entering and exercising their right to worship. This was viewed by the Sabarimala worshippers as being fundamental to their faith. Rule 3 (b) of the Kerela Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965, which allowed restrictions on women if the restrictions were based on customs, supported this practice. Section 4 of the Kerela Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry)2.
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