India's Supreme Court Invalidates Ban On Women In Temple

In Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala, (India Sup. Ct., Sept. 28, 2018), the Supreme Court of India by a vote of 4-1 struck down a rule of the Sabarimala Temple that prevents women between the age of 10 and 50 years from entering. Four separate opinions spanning 411 pages were filed. Chief Justice Misra, who began his plurality opinion by quoting Susan B. Anthony, said in part:

The exclusionary practice being followed at the Sabrimala temple by virtue of Rule 3(b) of the 1965 Rules violates the right of Hindu women to freely practise their religion and exhibit their devotion towards Lord Ayyappa. This denial denudes them of their right to worship. The right to practise religion under Article 25(1) is equally available to both men and women of all age groups professing the same religion.  

Economic Times reports on the decision.