"Can women do 41-day penance": Sabarimala temple board to SC

A day after the Supreme Court slammed Kerala's Sabarimala temple for barring women inside the shrine, the temple board reasoned back. On Thursday, the temple board argued that there is no restriction on caste or religion to enter the temple.

It stated that women were not allowed inside as they can't do a 41-day penance. The board argued that it is one of the only temples that does not discriminate against people entering on the basis of religion. It also stated that it is the only Ayyappan temple in the country to restrict women.

The SC, however, retorted that by imposing a difficult 41-day penance, they are trying to indirectly do something. Justice Rohinton Nariman said, "If somebody stops menstruating at 46, why should she be barred. The notification barring women should have been no child-bearing woman instead of prescribing the age."

Justice DY Chandrachud reportedly said, "Every woman is the creation of God and why should there be discrimination against them in employment or worship." The arguments in the case will reportedly resume on July 24.