Published Mar 13, 2026 | 4:52 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 13, 2026 | 4:52 PM
Sabarimala temple. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: The change in stance comes ahead of the Assembly elections, amid concerns within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) that the issue could be politically exploited by the opposition.
Kerala government is likely to inform the Supreme Court that it supports the protection of traditional rituals at the Sabarimala Temple in the ongoing case related to the entry of young women.
The indication comes after discussions at a state secretariat meeting of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) on Friday, 13 March, where an understanding was reportedly reached to back the protection of temple customs.
The issue is also expected to be discussed at a cabinet meeting scheduled later in the evening.
If confirmed, the move would mark a significant shift from the state government’s earlier position before the Supreme Court of India supporting the entry of women of all age groups into Sabarimala.
The change in stance comes ahead of the Assembly elections, amid concerns within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) that the issue could be politically exploited by the opposition.
Party leaders are understood to have expressed the view that no decision perceived as going against devotees should become a major electoral issue.
There is also apprehension that both the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party may attempt to weaponise the Sabarimala women-entry issue during the campaign.
Against this backdrop, the government — which had earlier extended administrative support for implementing the Supreme Court verdict allowing women’s entry — is now preparing to argue for the protection of temple rituals.
Recently, the Travancore Devaswom Board too decided to inform the court that it supports safeguarding the traditional practices at Sabarimala.
The Supreme Court has directed the state government and other stakeholders to submit their stand on the matter by 14 March.
The direction came while hearing a batch of petitions dealing with questions of religious practices and women’s rights, including those linked to Sabarimala.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant is currently considering the petitions. The court has scheduled detailed arguments in the matter to begin on 7 April.
