'Board's stance not as per govt instruction, final decision before March 14'; Minister about Sabarimala women entry issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan responded to the sudden U-turn in Travancore Devaswom Board's stance on the entry of women into Sabarimala. The minister said that the board's stance was not in accordance with any government instructions. Board President K Jayakumar, at a press conference, said that the board would not allow women to enter the shrine. The president had stated that he would inform the Supreme Court of his stance against the current order and would oppose the verdict.

” Devaswom Board is there to protect the faith and the temple. The government has not interfered in the board's decision. The government has not given any instructions to the board. The Devaswom Board wield sovereign power. The state government's stand on the issue will be discussed and decided by the cabinet meeting. A decision will be taken in consultation with the relevant legal experts in the next cabinet meeting.” The Devaswom Minister also informed that the government will decide its stand even before March 14.

“The customs in Sabarimala should be protected. There is no confusion on the issue, and we will be with believers. The board has never supported the entry of women to the shrine. Certain individuals may have differing opinion but the board as a whole is against it. An affidavit will be filed in court clarifying this matter,” Board President Jayakumar said.