‘Temple visitors, even if non-believers, must adhere to customs’: Supreme Court on Sabarimala case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has observed that even if visitors to a temple are non-believers, they are required to follow the rules and customs of the shrine. This observation was made by the nine-judge bench currently examining broader legal issues related to the Sabarimala case.

Senior Advocate C S Vaidyanathan, representing the NSS (Nair Service Society), Ayyappa Seva Samajam and Kshetra Samrakshana Samithi, argued that individual liberty should not infringe upon the religious rights of a community of believers. He stated that while Sabarimala is open to people of all faiths, those who visit must respect the sanctity of the deity and adhere to established customs.

Justice Nagarathna remarked that while Hindus belong to diverse communities of faith, they must follow the specific traditions of a temple once they enter its premises. Justice Joymalya Bagchi further clarified that if a non-believer enters a temple, they must comply with the rules, and their right to express non-belief is temporarily suspended during that time. Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice M M Sundresh noted that in certain Kerala temples, such as Guruvayur, men are not permitted to enter while wearing shirts.

To illustrate the necessity of following customs, the Chief Justice pointed out that anyone visiting a Sikh Gurdwara is required to cover their head.

The arguments presented by those opposing the 2018 Sabarimala verdict—permitting the entry of women of all ages—did not conclude on Thursday as scheduled and will resume next Wednesday. Arguments from other parties, including the Devaswom Board, the Sabarimala Tantri and the State Government, are expected to take place on that day.