Devaswom Board moves SC seeking time to implement Sabarimala verdict

The Travancore Devaswom Board on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension for implementation of its verdict which lifted the age-old ban on entry of women of menstruating age inside Kerala's Sabarimala Temple.

In its petition, the board said that lack of the necessary infrastructure to cater to the needs of visiting pilgrims and tourists, and the ongoing violence and protests against implementing the apex court's verdict necessitated an extension.

The Temple reopened on Friday for the 64-day long Mandala-Magaravilaku annual pilgrimage season which will last till January 17.

A string of protests have been witnessed in the state since the Temple opened for the first time following the top court passed the order on September 28, allowing females of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayappa shrine.

This is the third time that the Temple doors have opened since the apex court lifted the restrictions. At least 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases have been registered in connection with the protests and the incidents of violence that have erupted since the ban was lifted.