G Sudhakaran filed crucial affidavit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Supreme Court verdict permitting entry of women into Sabarimala is to a great extent based on the affidavit prepared by the then Devaswom Minister G Sudhakaran which was filed during LDF Government's period in 2006-11.

The Supreme Court had sought the response of the state government on writ petitions filed by a bunch of women lawyers. In the affidavit Sudhakaran had included the information about a section of women members of erstwhile Travancrore Royal Family's visit to Sabarimala even before they had attained the age of 50. This was backed with historical evidence. The evidence was provided to the minister by writer Ambalapuzha Ramavarma.

Sudhakaran had ponited out that women followed men even in Space. Women were respected highly in Indian epics. It was the feudal lords who wanted to impose restrictions on women and curb their freedom.

The minister said the apex verdict is proof enough that India has a robust Constitution. There is no need for any special permission now to climb Sabarimala hills. Women can visit Sabarimala just like their counterparts who are above 50 years of age used to visit in the past.

He said the devotees only need to follow the religious practices and rituals. However, basic infrastructure for women will have to be put in place at the hill shrine and base camp at Pampa. It is the responsibility of the Devaswom Board to provide bathrooms, toilets, and rest rooms for women. “There is no doubt that women’s entry in Sabarimala shrine will be a big success in the incumbent devaswom president A Padmakumar’s tenure,” he said.

The minister said the affidavit was filed in 2006 on the directions of the then state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan. He had categorically stated that no action that discriminates against women should be taken.