The Kerala government has moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of all cases pertaining to Sabarimala pending before the High Court to the apex court. The government submitted before the apex court that the High Court was passing orders against the spirit of the constitutional bench’s judgement on September 28 that overturned a centuries old tradition allowed women of all ages to pray at the hilltop shrine.

In its plea, the government said that despite deploying large number of policemen, it has not been able to implement the apex court orders and that  the HC’s often contradictory orders are making it difficult for the state to carry out the SC orders . The petition sought that all High Court proceedings to be moved to the apex court.

According to reports, the state government will also file another petition against the HC’s appointment of a three-member panel, which included Justice S Sirijagan, Justice PR Raman and DGP A Hemachandran, to observe and ensure smooth pilgrimage at Sabarimala. In addition to overseeing the proceedings at the shrine, the panel can also take on-the-spot decisions.

Meanwhile the panel which began its tour of Sabarimala on Monday has examined the basic facilities at the entry points to the temple and expressed their satisfaction over the basic amenities at some places while saying much needed to be done at other spots. They checked the staying, travel and food and drinking water facilities. Though the temple board and government officers were ready to give their inputs, the panel said they would collect first-hand information.

—India Legal Bureau