Shani temple trust bows down, to allow women from entering inner sanctum

The Bombay High Court had observed that no law prevents women from entering any place of worship.

In a major victory for women rights activists, the Shani Shingnapur temple trust in Maharashtra had decided to lift restriction on women from entering the sanctum sanctorum, reversing a centuries old ban.

The decision comes on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, a day which marks the Maharashtrian New Year. The temple trust however, last week had announced ban on the entry of both men and women from entering the inner sanctum to offer prayers to Lord Shani. Earlier today, over hundred men defied the order and stormed into the temple’s premises to worship the Saturn god.

Read: Men storm into Shani Shingnapur temple after new ban on their entry-" title

In March this year, the Bombay High Court had observed that no law prevents women from entering any place.

Underlining the need for giving equal access to women, the High Court stated that any temple or person imposing such restrictions can face a six-month jail term under a Maharashtra law, and asked the government to make a statement if it is worried about the sanctity of a deity.

The observations were made by a Division Bench of Chief Justice D.H. Waghela and Justice M.S. Sonak during the hearing of a PIL by senior advocate Nilima Vartak and activist Vidya Bal, challenging the bar on entry of women in the sanctum sanctorum of the Shani Shingnapur temple in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

Last week on Saturday, women activists led by Trupti Desai stormed into the temple’s complex but were prevented from entering the inner sanctum by locals and temple authorities. The activists launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, asking him why was Bombay High Court’s order that women not be discriminated at places of worship being defied.

Fadnavis in response said he would follow Court orders but at the same time made a veiled criticism of the activists for their actions. He said no one must disturb the law and order situation for mere publicity but also added that there was no place for discrimination in Hindu culture.

-"There is no place for discrimination in Hindu culture. Our government has taken a clear stand before the Honorable High Court and we will implement their decision in true spirit,-" Fadnavis said in a statement.

-"But it is my sincere request to everyone not to disturb the law and order situation for mere publicity,-" he added.