Senior Advocate Indira Jaising mentioned before the Chief Justice of India a petition filed for police protection for Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga, two ultra-Leftist women who had entered Sabarimala clandestinely on January 2.
Jaising sought for urgent hearing saying that the women were living under constant fear, and they needed police protection and security from the agitated mob who protest their temple entry. Agreeing to the request, the CJI said the matter will be listed for hearing on January 18.
Their entry had triggered angry reactions from the devotees. The women in an interview had told the media that they were not devotees but visited the temple to prove a point and establish their right declared by the Supreme Court which allowed women of all ages to enter Sabarimala.
Meanwhile, Kanaka Durga’s family members alleged that she along with some CPI(M) cadre tried to barge into her in-law’s house. When her mother-in-law resisted the move, Durga attacked her injuring her. She then got herself admitted to a hospital in order to seek publicity.
According to the petition, all women who wish to visit the temple should be given protection and security to undertake the pilgrimage without danger to life and liberty.
According to the prevailing customs, if a woman of child-bearing age enters Sannidhanam, the temple is shut and shuddhi karmas are done. The petition has also sought a prayer to direct authorities not to conduct such rites or to shut the temple in such a situation. It seeks a declaration that such purification ceremonies violate the constitutional ban on untouchability as per Article 17.
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