Thiruvananthapuram, February 16 The ruling Left party in Kerala said on Monday that the issue of women entering Sabarimala is a complex matter involving several constitutional issues, and therefore the government would take a stand through discussions.
Clarifying the government's position, State Law Minister P Rajeev said that the Supreme Court had already made it clear that it would only consider the review petitions after addressing seven constitutional questions.
Therefore, the state government has enough time to make its position clear, he added, emphasizing that it is not the time to make a "yes or no" decision on the matter.
However, he said that the government is here to protect the faith of believers and will stand by them regardless of their beliefs.
"This is not an issue that can be resolved in a minute. There are several constitutional complications involved," Rajeev said.
He added that the state government had, in its earlier affidavit, suggested forming a commission of scholars with deep knowledge of Hindu beliefs to study the issue of women's entry, but the Supreme Court did not consider this.
The state government's position is clear with this suggestion, he added.
"We will present a clear position before the Supreme Court after examining the constitutional aspects. We have ample time," he said, adding that a decision will be made after a thorough examination of all aspects.
The minister's remarks came shortly after the Supreme Court said that a nine-judge bench would commence a final hearing on a batch of petitions related to discrimination against women in religions and at religious places, including the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said that the bench, which will be constituted by the CJI, would commence the crucial hearing on the petitions on April 7.
It said that the hearing is likely to conclude on April 22.
The bench asked the parties to file their written submissions by March 14.
