New Delhi: The Kerala State Government has faced a major setback in the Supreme Court regarding the Sabarimala young women's entry case. The government's prospects of arguing alongside those opposing the entry of women have dimmed. This follows a firm stance taken by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who mandated that arguments from the opposing side must be concluded on Thursday.

The State Government’s Standing Counsel, Nishe Rajen Shonker, had previously written to the nodal counsel requesting permission to raise arguments alongside those challenging the entry of women. Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta had appeared in the Chief Justice’s court over the past few days for this purpose; however, he was unable to present his arguments as submissions from other senior advocates were prolonged.

Since most points opposing the entry of women have already been covered by other senior counsel, the Chief Justice directed the remaining advocates to truncate their submissions. Consequently, the State Government now finds itself in a position where it may have to present its arguments alongside those who support women's entry.

‘No change in stance; will oppose court intervention,’ says Government

Despite the procedural shift, high-ranking sources within the state government informed Mathrubhumi News that they remain steadfast in opposing judicial intervention in the Sabarimala issue. The government maintains that decisions regarding such matters should be made by a committee comprising religious scholars. Government sources indicated that this stance will be clarified in court, even if they are grouped with the supporting side.

However, the government reportedly disagrees with the arguments made by certain parties, including the Nair Service Society (NSS), regarding the specific criteria for who may enter the temple. It remains unclear whether Advocate Jaideep Gupta will raise these points in court. Some government circles expressed concern that any statement from the counsel supporting women's entry would be "suicidal”, fearing it could haunt the administration politically for a long time, regardless of electoral outcomes.