TDB To File Affidavit In SC To Protect Sabarimala Tradition In Women Entry Issue
"The board has no difference of opinion on this. The TDB is constituted under rules that mandate the protection of the temple and its traditions. So we will contest the decision of the Supreme Court," he said at a press meet, referring to the women's entry issue
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a notable move, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has passed a resolution opposing the entry of women aged 10 to 50 into the Sabarimala temple, defying the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that permitted it.
The Board, which manages the Sabarimala Temple affairs, plans to submit an affidavit on the matter to the apex court before March 14. TDB President K. Jayakumar said the decision followed a meeting of Board officials, noting that the Supreme Court had asked the Kerala government to state its position by the same date. A nine-judge Constitution Bench will soon hear several petitions on alleged discrimination against women at religious sites, including Sabarimala. Jayakumar emphasized the Board’s stance is clear and rooted in long-standing customs from the Travancore era.
He said the Board has only one stand, and that is to protect the existing temple customs and rituals. The Board would present its position before the Court.
Jaykumar said the Board would not support any verdict that went against the existing practices. "The Board will continue to safeguard the traditional customs currently observed in the temple. This position has been explained and maintained even earlier," he added.
Kerala Government's position
The Kerala Government has stated that it would decide its stance on the issue of allowing women and men of menstruating age to enter the Ayyappa temple after examining all aspects, including religious practices and constitutional issues, ahead of the Supreme Court hearing review petitions related to the matter in April 2026.
The LDF government is handling the issue cautiously in the wake of allegations from the Congress and the BJP that it betrayed Ayyappa devotees by refusing to withdraw its earlier affidavit to the Supreme Court, which supported the entry of menstruating women into the Sabarimala temple. As per tradition, the Sabarimala temple is off-limits to women between the ages of 10 and 50.
2018 five-judge bench verdict
On September 28, 2018, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court delivered its verdict in the Sabarimala temple entry case. The majority of the judges ruled that the temple’s practice of excluding women was unconstitutional, stating it violated the fundamental right to freedom of religion for female worshippers. However, the apex court later referred the matter to a nine-judge bench for review.