Thiruvananthapuram, November 16: A day ahead of the opening of Sabarimala Temple, security has been tightened in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The gates of the temple will be opened on Saturday. Devotees will be able to visit the temple from Sunday, November 17. District authorities also deployed over 800 medical staff. Over 16 medical emergency centres have also been established in the area. Sabarimala Review Plea Verdict: Supreme Court Refers Women's Entry Issue to Larger Bench.

PB Nooh, Pathanamthitta District Collector, said, “All basic arrangements are in place. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere.”

ANI's Tweet:

Earlier in the day, Devaswom Board said that no protection will be given to any women visiting the shrine. According to board’s statement, anyone who seeks protection during the visit, should get an order from the Supreme Court. Kerala Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran also said that the no woman, who attempt to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine, will be provided protection.

On Thursday, a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi referred the case to a larger bench in a 3:2 verdict. Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice DY Chandrachud gave dissent judgment. The top court decided not to put a stay on its last year’s judgment in which it ruled that all pilgrims regardless of gender, including women in the menstruating age group, should be allowed entrance to Sabarimala. Around 65 petitions were filed against top court’s September 28, 2018, verdict.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 15, 2019 09:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).