NEW DELHI: Kerala minister VN Vasavan on Saturday said the CPM-led LDF government continues to stand by the affidavit it filed in the Supreme Court in 2007 on the Sabarimala women’s entry issue, while accusing the BJP of being responsible for the 2018 verdict allowing women of menstruating age into the shrine.Responding to queries on the affidavit to be filed before a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, Vasavan said the government’s position remains unchanged — that the question of allowing women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple should be decided by experts in ritualistic matters, news agency PTI reported.”We had stated in our 2007 affidavit that the matter should be determined by experts in ritualistic traditions. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg IslandUs Bombs Kharg Island: Trump says raid hit Iran military targets; warns on Strait shipping’Heart of Iran’s oil exports’: US strikes Kharg Island — why it’s a big blow to TehranWe continue to maintain that stand,” the minister said.He clarified that the Supreme Court has not sought the state government’s position on women’s entry at present, but has asked for clarification on certain constitutional questions. The state has entrusted the Advocate General and constitutional experts to submit its response before the court, he added.Vasavan also blamed lawyers associated with the BJP for triggering the legal battle that led to the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the hill shrine.“It was young lawyers linked to the BJP who approached the Supreme Court and later hailed the verdict as historic. Now they are taking a different stand,” he alleged.The minister rejected allegations that the LDF government had taken special interest in facilitating women’s entry into the temple following the 2018 ruling, saying the state had only implemented the Supreme Court’s order.”If the apex court gives a verdict, how can we oppose it? The women’s entry was the decision of the Supreme Court,” he said.The 2018 ruling sparked widespread protests across Kerala, and the Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions seeking a review of the verdict.Meanwhile, CPM general secretary MA Baby said the LDF government had implemented the court’s directive in 2018 as it was legally bound to do so.“At that time, there was hardly any political party that did not welcome the verdict. Later, some of them changed their stand,” he said, adding that the court itself is now reconsidering the earlier judgment.He also said that when issues involving religious traditions are examined, the views of ritual experts and social reformers acceptable to the public could also be considered.On the other hand, BJP state general secretary MT Ramesh claimed the Kerala government’s fresh affidavit amounted to an admission of its earlier mistake.“The BJP demands that the state government apologise to Ayyappa devotees,” he said, questioning why the government had changed its stance after strongly supporting reforms in 2018.Ramesh further alleged that more than 10,000 cases were registered against people who participated in protests during the agitation over the Sabarimala issue and demanded that these cases be withdrawn in light of the government’s new position.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”India Facing Difficult Time…” Former Foreign Secretary On India’s Strategic Loss In West AsiaBJP Ends Alliance Speculation, Amit Shah Says Party Will Go Alone In Punjab’BRICS Members Directly Involved In West Asia Crisis’: India Shares BIG UPDATE Amid US-Iran WarIndian Ships Shivalik And Nanda Devi Sail Through Hormuz, Head To Gujarat Ports Amid LPG CrisisThe LCH Prachand: It Can Do What No Other Attack Helicopter In The World Can | WatchPM Modi Rolls Out Mega ₹18,680 Crore Road, Rail And Port Projects In West BengalCentre Ends Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention Under NSA After 6 Months Of Jail Over Ladakh ProtestU Visa Scam Busted: 11 Indian Nationals Accused Of Staging Armed Robberies In United StatesPM Modi Launches Mega Assam Infra Projects, Takes Sharp Dig At Congress Over Rs 24,000 Crore PushFuel Diplomacy: South Asian Neighbours Turn To India For Energy As War Disrupts Gulf Energy Routes123PhotostoriesWas Rashmika Mandanna’s reception saree truly Mysore silk? 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NEW DELHI: Kerala minister VN Vasavan on Saturday said the CPM-led LDF government continues to stand by the affidavit it filed in the Supreme Court in 2007 on the Sabarimala women’s entry issue, while accusing the BJP of being responsible for the 2018 verdict allowing women of menstruating age into the shrine.Responding to queries on the affidavit to be filed before a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, Vasavan said the government’s position remains unchanged — that the question of allowing women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple should be decided by experts in ritualistic matters, news agency PTI reported.“We had stated in our 2007 affidavit that the matter should be determined by experts in ritualistic traditions. We continue to maintain that stand,” the minister said.He clarified that the Supreme Court has not sought the state government’s position on women’s entry at present, but has asked for clarification on certain constitutional questions. The state has entrusted the Advocate General and constitutional experts to submit its response before the court, he added.Vasavan also blamed lawyers associated with the BJP for triggering the legal battle that led to the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the hill shrine.“It was young lawyers linked to the BJP who approached the Supreme Court and later hailed the verdict as historic. Now they are taking a different stand,” he alleged.The minister rejected allegations that the LDF government had taken special interest in facilitating women’s entry into the temple following the 2018 ruling, saying the state had only implemented the Supreme Court’s order.“If the apex court gives a verdict, how can we oppose it? The women’s entry was the decision of the Supreme Court,” he said.The 2018 ruling sparked widespread protests across Kerala, and the Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions seeking a review of the verdict.Meanwhile, CPM general secretary MA Baby said the LDF government had implemented the court’s directive in 2018 as it was legally bound to do so.“At that time, there was hardly any political party that did not welcome the verdict. Later, some of them changed their stand,” he said, adding that the court itself is now reconsidering the earlier judgment.He also said that when issues involving religious traditions are examined, the views of ritual experts and social reformers acceptable to the public could also be considered.On the other hand, BJP state general secretary MT Ramesh claimed the Kerala government’s fresh affidavit amounted to an admission of its earlier mistake.“The BJP demands that the state government apologise to Ayyappa devotees,” he said, questioning why the government had changed its stance after strongly supporting reforms in 2018.Ramesh further alleged that more than 10,000 cases were registered against people who participated in protests during the agitation over the Sabarimala issue and demanded that these cases be withdrawn in light of the government’s new position.
