4.3. Entry Movements to Places of Religious Worship Led by Women’s Organizations

♤ Shani Shignapur Temple: A group of women called the Bhumata Rangaragini Brigade led a movement to break the 400 year old tradition of the Temple barring women from entering its inner sanctum. Eventually, the Bombay High Court stated that “No law prevents women from entering a place of worship and if men are allowed, then women too should be permitted.”

♤ Sabrimala Temple: In Sabarimala temple, Kerala, women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not allowed to enter the temple, since they are in the menstrual age group. A 1991 Kerala High Court judgement supported the ban on women. However, the case has been

referred to a three judge bench of the Supreme Court to deem whether excluding

menstruating women constitutes “essential religious practice.”

♤ Haji Ali Dargah: In 2012, the Dargah Trust barred women from entering the sanctum sanctorum of the Haji Ali dargah. The trust cited verses from the Quran and Prophet Mohammed to claim that Islam does not permit women to enter dargahs/mosques. The trust also claimed the fundamental right “to manage its own affairs” under Article 26 of the Indian Constitution. This was opposed by several women’s organizations. Eventually, the Bombay High Court lifted the ban saying it contravenes the Constitution and women should be allowed entry “at par with men”. It also held that the Trust cannot enforce a ban “contrary to the fundamental rights” (i.e. Art 14, 15 and 25) enshrined in the Constitution.