Even women stood against Sabarimala entry, says Kerala High Court on limits of empowerment

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has acknowledged notable progress in women’s empowerment across the public sphere in the state, especially following the Sabarimala protests. A Division Bench led by Justices Dr A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and C S Sudha observed that public discourse and visible participation of women have evolved positively in recent years.

These remarks came as the High Court was considering a group of petitions related to the Hema Committee Report, which examined gender issues in the Malayalam film industry.

Where does the court believe progress is lacking?
Despite advancements in public spaces, the court pointed to a glaring gap in the empowerment of women within private domains, particularly in homes and religious contexts. It found that structural change remains limited in these areas, with traditions and social norms continuing to hinder true gender parity.

Why was the Sabarimala issue mentioned?
The Sabarimala controversy, where the entry of women into the temple sparked intense debate and resistance, was used as a marker by the court to assess shifts in societal attitudes. Although it triggered a broader conversation on women’s rights, the court remarked that resistance from some women themselves shows the complexities of societal change and the depth of internalised patriarchy.

How does the court view the role of law in women’s empowerment?
The Bench suggested that if real change begins at the household level, legislative measures to enforce women’s empowerment may become less necessary. However, it implied that as long as private spaces remain resistant to change, the law must continue to play an enabling role.