The Karnataka women and child development minister had claimed earlier that she had touched the idol of the presiding deity in her prime youth.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Women and Child Development Minister Jayamala Friday termed as “historic” the Supreme Court verdict on entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa Temple and said women have now got justice.
The actress-turned-politician had created a storm some years ago by claiming that she had in her prime youth entered the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and touched the idol of the presiding deity.
“There is no happier moment in my life other than this. I thank the women community, Supreme Court judges and God Friday…I also thank Ambedkar who wrote our Constitution,” Jayamala told reporters.
She said she had expected such a judgement and credited the country’s legal system and Constitution for it.
“Women have got justice today. This is a historic moment,” the minister added.
The revelation by Jayamala in June 2006 had kicked up a storm, as women in the 10-50 age group were barred from entering the temple.
In 2010, the Crime Branch of Kerala Police had charge sheeted her along with others stating that they were involved in a deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings under Section 295 of Indian Penal Code.
Responding to a question on the earlier incident, Jayamala said, “That day also I had faith and belief in God and our Judiciary, and that faith and belief has come true today.”
Asked about the opposing voices to the judgement, she said “God will protect.”
The Supreme Court paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala.
A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said that banning the entry of women into the shrine is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women.-PTI