KOCHI: The High Court on Monday orally observed that Sabarimala is the only temple in the state where all persons, irrespective of their religion could enter and worship and a ban on entry of non-Hindus to the Sabarimala temple will 'ruin the fabric of secularism'.
While considering the plea filed by BJP leader T G Mohandas seeking a ban on entry of non-Hindus into the Sabarimala temple, the court observed that the petition would bifurcate or segregate the society. The court also pointed out that one could not visit Sabarimala temple without visiting the Vavar mosque. "Even without 'irumudikettu' a devotee could have darshan at Sabarimala. The 'irumudikkettu' is required only to enter the temple through the holy 18 steps".
The petitioner sought a directive to enforce Rule 3 (a) framed under the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of entry) Act, 1965, which prohibits entry of non-Hindus into temples. He said the Supreme Court had invalidated only Rule 3 (b) that prevented entry of women at such time during which they were not allowed by custom and usage to enter a place of public worship. However, the four clauses of the rules which prohibited entry of non-Hindus, and drunk or disorderly persons were still in force.
The court adjourned the hearing on the petition to November 5 after directing the State government to file an affidavit in response to the petition.