TDB Opposes Sabarimala Women Entry, Plans Affidavit Ahead of SC Review

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Monday passed a landmark resolution opposing the 2018 Supreme Court verdict permitting women of menstruating age to worship at the Sabarimala temple. The move holds significant political weight, reflecting pressure from Hindu social groups and ongoing debates about upholding traditional bans at the revered shrine. The Board said the resolution would guide the affidavit it plans to file with the Supreme Court when justices review the 2019 order on April 14.

TDB president K. Jayakumar told reporters that protecting temple traditions is the Board’s core mandate. He noted that the Devaswom, formed in 1949 to safeguard temple practices under a 1950 act, has historically opposed women’s entry in principle, even if past leaders never formalized the stance as a resolution. “It’s the TDB’s default legal position. Protecting temple traditions is central to the Board’s constitution,” he said. He added that comments on the state government’s position were not appropriate for the moment, as cabinet deliberations continue.

Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan indicated the Cabinet would revisit the issue, signaling ongoing policy scrutiny alongside the legal process. SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan welcomed the move, calling it a “course correction” and signaling continued support from major Hindu groups to uphold traditional guidelines. The broader political landscape, including the Left Democratic Front’s stance, remains a topic of discussion as Kerala prepares for the forthcoming SC review.

The resolution underscores the tension between constitutional rights and temple traditions, a long-running theme in Kerala politics. As the Supreme Court’s review of the 2019 order approaches, observers will be watching how the TDB’s formal position—articulated through the affidavit—will shape arguments presented to the court and potentially influence the dynamics around Sabarimala’s contested entry issue.

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