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PIL challenges ban on women`s entry into shrines
Mumbai, June 12: The Mumbai High Court has issued notices to the trusts managing the affairs of sixth century Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur and the famous Shani Shingnapur temple in Ahmednagar district, asking them to explain why they had prohibited women from entering the sanctum sanctorium.
Mumbai, June 12: The Mumbai High Court has issued notices to the trusts managing the affairs of sixth century Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur and the famous Shani Shingnapur temple in Ahmednagar district, asking them to explain why they had prohibited women from entering the sanctum sanctorium.
Hearing a PIL, Chief Justice C K Thakker and Justice Vijaya Tahilramani expressed concern over the rules barring women from entering the temple to offer prayers.
If laws violating the constitution could be struck down, why cannot religious practices and customs, the bench asked.
The matter will be heard on June 18.
The PIL, filed by social activist Varsh Oak, pleaded that such a practice of prohibiting women from entering the temples was discriminatory in nature and violated provisions of the Constitution which provided equal rights to all the citizens.
The PIL contended that Hindu religion did not bar women from entering temples. Even Vedas, Upanishads or Manu Smriti did not impose any such restrictions, the PIL said.
Bureau Report
If laws violating the constitution could be struck down, why cannot religious practices and customs, the bench asked.
The matter will be heard on June 18.
The PIL, filed by social activist Varsh Oak, pleaded that such a practice of prohibiting women from entering the temples was discriminatory in nature and violated provisions of the Constitution which provided equal rights to all the citizens.
The PIL contended that Hindu religion did not bar women from entering temples. Even Vedas, Upanishads or Manu Smriti did not impose any such restrictions, the PIL said.
Bureau Report