Sabarimala temple row: Entry of women will turn temple into a 'sex tourism spot', says board chief

In a shocking development in Sabarimala temple row, the head of Kerala temple's board made a shocking comment by saying, “If women are allowed in Sabarimala shrine, it will become a spot for sex tourism”.

The comment made by Travancore Dewasom Board (TDB) president Prayar Gopalakrishnan is now drawing flak from people.

“If women are allowed, we can’t ensure their security. We don’t like to convert it as a sex tourism spot like Thailand. Even if the court opens its doors I don’t think self-respecting women will dare to go up to the hill shrine,” he said.

“It is an age-old tradition and all are bound to respect it. If women are allowed in rush hours it will lead to many issues. Nobody can ensure their security. There are chances for immoral activities also,” Gopalakrishnan said.

The state government, which is in favour of the ban being nixed, chastised the board chief.

“I don’t know how he made such a foolish comparison. He insulted women and pilgrims alike. He should withdraw his statement and tender an apology,” said minister Surendran.

Earlier, the Supreme Court on 13 October referred the Sabarimala temple case to a Constitution bench.

The apex court had reserved the order on referring the case to a constitution bench in February. The court raised six questions on the issue to be considered by the Constitution bench.

The top court had been hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the ban on entry of women into the Sabarimala hill temple.

The temple, situated in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, restricts women aged between 10 and 50 from visiting the premises.

In January 2016, the court had questioned the ban, saying this could not be done under the Constitution.

-With ANI inputs