Thiruvananthapuram, March 2 The TDB announced on Monday that it will file an affidavit before the Supreme Court to protect existing traditions when the court considers petitions related to the entry of menstruating-age women into the Sabarimala Temple shrine.
Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president K Jayakumar said that the matter regarding filing the affidavit was discussed at a board meeting, and a decision was made to maintain the current tradition.
"The board has no disagreement on this. The TDB is established under rules that mandate the protection of the temple and its traditions. Therefore, we will challenge the Supreme Court's decision," he said at a press conference, referring to the issue of women's entry.
He stated that the board had decided that the tradition at Sabarimala regarding women's entry should continue.
"This needs to be informed to the Supreme Court by March 14. We have decided to appoint the relevant individuals to inform the court," he said.
He clarified that the TDB does not support the Supreme Court's 2018 decision permitting the entry of menstruating-age women into the temple.
"A resolution has been passed, and the affidavit will be filed in court," he said, adding that the Devaswom has only one stance – that traditions should be protected and followed.
In 2018, the Supreme Court allowed the entry of menstruating-age women into the Sabarimala temple.
The review petitions in the matter are currently under consideration by the apex court, which has asked the aggrieved parties, including the state government, to state their stand by March 14.