NEW DELHI: The state government has informed the Supreme Court that the presence of young women at Sabarimala will not affect Ayyappa’s celibacy. The government submitted a written statement regarding the review plea.

The argument that a 10-year old girl will affect lord Ayyappa’s celibacy cannot be accepted. This is a disgrace to womanhood. The government also clarified that the constitutional bench should look whether blocking women entry is necessary or whether it is part of a custom. The government also said that if a 35-year old woman can be a member of the devaswom board, then she can also visit the temple. The government has taken an opposing stand to those who say that this is a part of ritual that is being observed only in one teample.