Kerala HC: Protests in Sabarimala not acceptable, turns down bail plea of jailed man

The Kerala High Court on Thursday, November 8, turned down a bail plea by a man arrested last month, saying protests against the entry of women to the Sabarimala Temple were unacceptable.

"The protests at Sabarimala are not acceptable as it is against the verdict of the Supreme Court," a High Court bench said, rejecting the request for bail by Kochi resident Govind Madhusudhan.

"If the bail application is considered, it will send wrong signals and similar incidents will recur again," the court said.

Madhusudhan was arrested at the temple town during protests against the entry of women in the age group of 10 to 50, effectively opening up the shrine to all women.

The Pathanamthitta district collector in Kerala had imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in Sabarimala and nearby areas ahead of the Chithira Avittom Pooja ahead of the Temple opening for devotees on November 5 and 6.

Prohibitory orders were put into place from Saturday November 3, midnight till Tuesday November 6, midnight.

District collector PB Nooh said, "Section 144 has been imposed to maintain law order in Sabarimala and nearby areas. However, this will not affect normal pilgrimage. It's only that unlawful assembly by non-devotees will not be allowed. Prohibitory orders will come into effect from Saturday midnight at Nilakkal, Elavunkal, Pamba and Sannidhanam."

Heavy security cover is being deployed after violent protests broke out against the entry of women between the age group of 10-50 following a Supreme Court order.

The police have arrested over 3,500 people and registered close to 540 cases. Around 100 people are still in judicial custody.

The protesters last month prevented 12 women from entering the temple. Similar protests were seen when the temple opened for a day on November 5 when three women were forced to return without offering prayers.

(with inputs from agencies)