The Kerala High Court remarked that even women had opposed the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple, highlighting the complexities of societal change. The court emphasized that true empowerment should start within households. It noted that when families support equality, the need for legislative intervention may reduce. The bench underlined that empowerment cannot be imposed, it must grow organically.
The Kerala High Court recognized significant progress in women’s empowerment within the public sphere of the state, particularly in the aftermath of the Sabarimala protests.
A Division Bench consisting of Justices Dr. A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and C S Sudha noted that public discourse and the active participation of women have shown positive developments in recent years.
These observations were made while the court was reviewing a series of petitions concerning the Hema Committee Report, which addressed gender issues within the Malayalam film industry.
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Despite the progress in public spaces, the court highlighted a stark disparity in the empowerment of women within private settings, particularly at home and in religious contexts.
It found that structural changes in these areas remain limited, with traditions and social norms still obstructing genuine gender equality.
The Sabarimala controversy, which ignited intense discussions about women’s entry into the temple, served as a reference point for the court to evaluate changes in societal attitudes.
Also Read: [Sabarimala Entry] Kerala HC Rejected 10-yr-old Girl’s Plea
While it sparked a broader dialogue on women’s rights, the court noted that resistance from certain women themselves reflects the complexities of societal transformation and the ingrained nature of patriarchy.
The Bench suggested that if genuine change starts at the household level, the need for legislative measures to enforce women’s empowerment might diminish.
However, it indicated that as long as private spaces resist transformation, the law will need to continue playing a supportive role.
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The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala, is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Historically, women of menstruating age (10–50 years) were restricted from entering the temple, based on age-old customs surrounding the celibate nature of the deity, Lord Ayyappa.
However, in a landmark verdict in 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that women of all ages must be allowed entry, deeming the restriction unconstitutional.
The verdict sparked nationwide debates and mass protests, including significant opposition from women themselves. Many women devotees felt that the centuries-old tradition should be preserved and argued that religious beliefs were being unfairly tampered with in the name of gender equality.
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