Lawyers Ask India's Supreme Court To Change Temple Rules

In India, the Indian Young Lawyers Association (IYLA) and a group of women lawyers have filed a petition in the Supreme Court asking for it to order the government of Kerala and the head priest Tantri of Sabari Mala temple to permit women to freely enter the shrine. United News of India reported on Sunday on the lawsuit that was triggered by a controversy after film actress Jayimala said she had entered the temple and touched the deity. (See prior posting.) The Supreme Court petition claims that current restrictions on women between the ages of 10-50 entering the temple violate Articles 14, 15, 25 and 51A (e) of India's Constitution.