New Delhi, Nov 14, TEN Network | A five-judge constitution bench of Supreme Court by 3-2 majority refers to 7-judge bench to consider SC’s earlier decision quashing the custom barring entry of women of 10-50 age group into Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.
The majority judgment by CJI Ranjan Gogoi and Justices A M Khanwilkar and Indu Malhotra said that the issue raises serious questions about faith and practices of a religious denomination and hence requires consideration by a 7-judge bench.
SC said the issue of entry of women into mosque and Agiyari could also be taken up by the larger bench.
They favoured quashing the custom which barred entry of women in 10-50 year age group into the temple. It said the issue of entry of women into mosques and agiyari could be considered by 7-judges.
Larger bench will decide religious issues relating to Sabarimala, entry of women into mosques, practice of female genital mutilation: CJI
Since the majority judgment was silent on any stay on earlier judgment, the SC’s earlier order throwing open the gates of Sabarimala Ayyappa temple to women of all ages is to remain in force till a 7-judge bench hears the matter afresh and gives its ruling.
A number of review petitions were filed after the Supreme court in its September 2018 verdict lifted a ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years into Kerala’s Sabarimala temple. The apex court has referred the matter to a larger bench. (TOI)
