None of the petitioners who sought women’s entry is a believer, says Justice Nagarathna; Centre defends Sabarimala customs

NEW DELHI: Justice B V Nagarathna on Wednesday observed that those who filed petitions seeking entry of women into Sabarimala Temple were not believers. She made the remark during arguments in the Supreme Court while hearing challenges related to the verdict on women’s entry. Chief Justice Surya Kant also noted that some public interest litigations are filed with different agendas. The nine-judge Constitution Bench completed today's hearing in the matter.

“None of the petitioners who sought women’s entry is a believer. No devotees have approached this court seeking such entry. Who are these petitioners?” Justice Nagarathna asked. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, responded that the petitions were filed by the Young Lawyers Association.

The Solicitor General argued that the practices followed at Sabarimala are not harmful to society and do not violate constitutional values. He said the customs are part of the faith of the devotees who visit the temple. “It is the moral practice of a group of people. It is their own decision and does not harm anyone,” the Centre submitted.

Earlier, senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan told the court that his arguments were being repeatedly interrupted by the Solicitor General, leading to a brief exchange between them. He also questioned what would happen to their efforts if the arguments supporting the review petitions conclude tomorrow.