A woman herself has status and identity that cannot be taken away or taken away in any way based on her marital status, Madras High Court said while hearing pleas from a woman who, along with her son, has been forbidden to enter a temple since she is a widow.
Madras High Court Judge Anand Venkatesh strongly criticized the prohibition of a widow from entering the temple and said such things could never continue in a civilized society governed by the law.
“Unfortunately, the ancient belief that if a widow enters a temple it will cause uncleanness continues to be prevalent in this state. Although reformers are trying to crush all these foolish beliefs, it continues to be practiced in some villages. These are dogmas and rules set by man for his convenience and it really demeans a woman just because she has lost her husband. All of this can never continue in a civilized society, governed by the rule of law,” Judge Anand Venkatesh noted in his order.
The judge added that if anyone tries to prevent a widow from entering the temple, that person will be dealt with according to the law.
The court is hearing the plea of a woman named Thangamani, who asked the police to protect herself and her son when entering the Periyakaruparayan temple in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu to participate in the temple festival on the 9th and 5th. August 10.
Thangamani's husband is a priest at the Periyakaruparayan temple. He passed away in August 2017. Although the petitioner and her son wanted to participate in the Aadi festival at the temple this year, some individuals threatened her, saying that she must not enter the temple because she is a widow.
After hearing the plea, the judge ordered the police to ensure that Thangamani and his son participate in the temple festival and that if anyone tries to cause a problem of public order, action must be taken. act against them.
