New Delhi, September 28: The Supreme Court in its landmark judgment on Friday opened the gates of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala for women of all ages and said the ban was violative of their fundamental rights. It was a 4:1 majority judgment with Justice Indu Malhotra being the only one to give dissenting judgment on the matter which banned the entry of women of age group 10-50 in the temple. Celebrating the judgment of the top Court, Union Minister for Women & Child Development Maneka Gandhi said its a wonderful decision. "It opens up and brings the way forward for Hinduism to become even more inclusive & not a property of one caste or one sex", Gandhi said.

Also, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala took to Twitter and said there can be no discrimination to worship on the basis of gender or otherwise. "A welcome and progressive move towards gender equality by Supreme Court in Sabarimala. As society evolves, so should our religious beliefs and laws", he added. Sabarimala Verdict by Supreme Court Highlights: 'Women are Worshipped like Goddesses, Temple Doors Cannot be Closed For Them'.

Surjewala said the Congress wholeheartedly welcome this progressive and far-reaching decision. "Supreme Court decision has given a fresh expression to the rights of women and how they cannot be subjugated to any religious practice, no matter how sacred", he added.

Meanwhile, Sabarimala head priest Kandararu Rajeevarau said the Supreme Court's verdict allowing entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple, was "disappointing", but the shrine will abide by the law and accept the top court's decision. However, Travancore Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar was quoted by PTI  saying that SC's verdict will be studied in detail and further course of action will be decided after that.

On Friday, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said banning the entry of women into the shrine is gender discrimination and the practice violates the rights of Hindu women. The bench added that religion is a way of life basically to link life with divinity. While Justices R F Nariman and D Y Chandrachud concurred with the CJI and Justice A M Khanwilkar, Justice Indu Malhotra gave a dissenting verdict.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2018 01:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).