Supreme Court's attempts to interfere in traditions of Sabarimala temple objectionable: RS MP

A Rajya Sabha MP said Supreme Court's attempts to interfere in traditions of the Sabarimala temple were objectionable. Reuters[/caption]"As an ardent devotee of Sabarimala who has performed the annual pilgrimage (to the shrine) for 22 years without a break, I find the attempts by the Supreme Court to interfere in the long held traditions of the sacred temple objectionable," Chandrasekhar, an Independent MP in Rajya Sabha, said in a statement on Monday.Hearing a PIL filed by Indian Young Lawyers' Association, on 11 January, the Supreme Court had questioned the tradition of banning entry of women of menstrual age group in the temple, saying it cannot be done under the Constitution.Reacting to the apex court's query as to why women cannot be allowed inside the temple, the MP from Karnataka said "In many cases, age-old traditions and rituals defy modern explanations and tests, and have to be respected for what they are. Traditions and values are held dearly by many Hindus and Indians."Chandrasekhar also said the current spotlight on Sabarimala must lead to a debate about "removing" Kerala government from management of shrines and having autonomous devotees-managed trusts for the purpose.PTI