Sabarimala: Wait for larger Bench to decide, says SC

New Delhi, December 13

The Supreme Court (SC) today refused to pass any order on petitions seeking protection for women to visit the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

“The situation at the moment is explosive. We don’t want any violence,” a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde told senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing Rehna Fathima, after he complained that the Kerala Government was not allowing women to enter the temple.

“The practice has been going on for thousands of years. Balance of convenience requires that no order should be passed in your favour now. The matter is under reference and if it is ultimately decided in your favour, we will protect you,” the Bench said, maintaining that the matter had already been referred to a seven-Judge Bench. — TNS