Lone woman judge who put her foot down

Kudos to Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone woman judge on the bench who had dissented with the majority of the bench of SC on entry of women into Sabarimala temple. She had affirmed to the effect that the court should not tinker with the age-old religious practices. As a woman, she could feel and perceive that the ban did not imply any gender inequality or disrespect to woman.

In Hindu homes, pooja is not performed by women during ‘those days’. There may not be any rationale, but the sentiment ought to be respected. At Sabarimala, it is a convention followed by devotees for centuries and a vast section of women intend to conform with it. While going on Ayyappa pilgrimage, the male devotees are seen off by their womenfolk at home full of devotional spirit and happiness.

They don’t feel discriminated at all. The judgment had distressed vast number of devotees who visit the temple. Every practice can’t be rubbished under the guise of rationality or equality. My point is that the practice of non-entry to women is endorsed and accepted by all women save a few who have raised the bogey. I have visited the deity several times and am all for women empowerment.