SC questions how can deity be defiled by touch?:Sabarimala counsel says, ‘Lord Ayyappa is a celibate, so ritual practices follow that tradition’

Supreme Court is hearing the case related to women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple and allegations of religious discrimination. The court asked, “How can touching the idol be considered an insult to God?” The Supreme Court also said, “Will the Constitution not step in to protect a devotee who is barred from touching the deity only because of their lineage and birth?” In response, Sabarimala’s lawyer, Advocate V Giri, said that rituals followed in any temple are an integral part of that religion. Worship cannot go against the characteristics of the deity. Lord Ayyappa is a “naishtika brahmachari” (eternal celibate), and therefore the temple traditions are based on that belief. The decision may come tomorrow A nine-judge Constitution bench is examining the issue of women’s entry into Sabarimala, along with 66 related matters concerning religious freedom. A verdict is expected shortly. The Kerala High Court had, in 1991, barred the entry of menstruating women aged 10–50. This restriction was lifted by the Supreme Court in 2018, following which multiple review petitions were filed. The temple administration continues to oppose women’s entry. During the April 17 hearing, the Court stated that when deciding matters of faith, the Constitution must prevail over personal religious beliefs. When constitutional rights are at issue, merely invoking “religion” cannot be used to shield them from judicial review. 7 questions being debated in the Supreme Court Hearing on Sabarimala case began on April 7 Hearings on the Sabarimala temple case began on April 7th. The hearings lasted for the first three days, until April 9th. During this period, the central government argued against women’s entry. The government stated that men are also prohibited from entering many goddess temples across the country, and therefore, religious traditions must be respected. 5 days of hearing: What’s happened so far… ALSO READ | ‘Is conscience greater than religion?’ Court seeks clarity (Day-5 Hearing) ALSO READ | Sabarimala board says, ‘Ayyappa Temple is not a restaurant’ (Day-4 Hearing) ALSO READ | Justice Nagarathna observes ban will divide society, hurt Hinduism (Day-3 Hearing) ALSO READ | Govt says courts can’t label religious practices as superstition (Day-2 Hearing) ALSO READ | Govt tells SC not to ‘interfere’ in religious matters; women’s entry will ‘alter tradition’ (Day-1 Hearing) Stay tuned to Bhaskar English for real-time updates on the hearing related to discrimination against women at religious places… ​