NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court directed the state government to give round the clock security for Bindu and Kanakadurga, the two women of menstruating age who trekked to Sabarimala on January 2. The state government is responsible to give protection to the life and property of the people. The constitution assures this to every citizen. The apex court directed the state government to ensure this. The court passed the order while hearing the plea of the two on Friday seeking 24X7 security after they entered the Sabarimala temple. However, the court was not ready to consider other demands they voiced. The two approached the court seeking round the clock security following life threat. A national group of Ayyappa devotees had requested not to consider their pleas. As the Sabarimala pilgrimage will end in two days, they had requested not to consider their plea. Senior advocate Indira Jaising appeared before a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and requested an urgent hearing, saying it was a matter of life and liberty for the two women.

The plea sought a court direction to all authorities to allow women of all age groups to enter the temple without any hindrance and to ensure security and safe passage, including police security to women wishing to enter the temple. The government informed the court that security is given to 51 women. The government produced the list of them with all the details. These 51 women had trekked to Sabarimala. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi directed to continue giving security.