Cherukolpuzha meet demands withdrawal of cases against Ayyappa devotees

The ongoing Hindu religious meet at Cherukolpuzha has demanded that the Kerala government withdraw cases registered against those who participated in the Sabarimala Namajapa protests in 2018 seeking protection of temple custom in the temple.

In a memorandum submitted for the government’s urgent attention, the meet termed it highly condemnable that even ordinary devotees were booked under non-bailable sections. The prolonged continuation of these cases even years after they were registered has adversely affected the lives and employment prospects of the devotees.

While the State government had earlier maintained in its affidavits that it was bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict, the congregation said there is now a growing opinion from various quarters that a consensus should be evolved on women’s entry to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, taking into account the sentiments and protests of devotees.

‘Hostile legal action’

It also called upon the State to end what it termed hostile legal action against devotees in various courts and to respect the sentiments of those who tried to protect the sanctity and traditions of the Ayyappa temple.

The memorandum was presented by A.R. Vikraman Pillai, general secretary, and P.S. Nair, president, of the Hindu Matha Mahamandalam.