Transgender woman stopped from Sabarimala darshan; Kerala HC seeks explanation

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has sought an explanation from the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) over a complaint that a transgender woman was stopped by the police from visiting the Sabarimala temple.

The petitioner, 48-year-old Sathyasree Sharmila Rahmathali from Tamil Nadu, approached the court alleging that she was prevented from proceeding to Sabarimala because she is transgender. The court directed that notice be issued to the respondents without admitting the petition.

Sathyasree alleged that the police stopped her at Pampa when she arrived at Sabarimala after observing the required religious vows. The incident allegedly took place near the Ganapathi Temple on August 20.

According to her petition, the police told her that the Travancore Devaswom Board had issued a directive not to allow transgender persons to climb the Sabarimala hill. Sathyasree also alleged that she had visited Sabarimala in the past and that preventing her from proceeding this time amounted to discrimination.

She further alleged that the police forcibly took away her irumudikettu, the traditional sacred bundle carried by Sabarimala pilgrims. She said the incident caused her severe mental distress. The Kerala High Court will consider the petition again on September 3.