SC attempt to interfere in traditions of Sabarimlala objectionable: MP

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar has termed as "objectionable" the Supreme Court's attempt to "interfere" in traditions of Sabarimlala temple in Kerala and said the traditions and rituals that Hindus and Indians value must be respected.

"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 Monday.

Hearing a PIL filed by Indian Young Lawyers' Association, on January 11, 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.