Padmanabhaswamy Temple dress code: Kerala HC upholds ban on salwar kameez

In a judicial order which can potentially raise a storm across the country, a divisional bench of the Kerala High Court on Thursday, ordered that women should not be allowed to wear salwar kameez and churidar inside the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, an ANI report said.

Kerala HC orders that women should not be allowed to wear salwar kameez & churidar inside the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple.

— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2016

The latest order also states that the decision of the tantri or chief priest is final and the Temple Board does not have the authority to make the rules, a Mathrubhumi report said. The order claims significance as last month, the temple executive officer of the renowned temple, broke age-old traditions allowing women wearing churidar or salwar kameez to enter the temple. This step was taken after the high court intervened following a petition by a woman devotee Riya Raj, The Indian Express reported. The new petition was filed by private parties challenging the Kerala High Court’s November order. According to this NDTV report, many members of the administrative board, which includes temple priests as well opposed the move and urged to continue the tradition. However, just days after the November order, the new dress code was withdrawn by the temple board after protests from Hindu organisations, The Indian Express added. According to traditions, only women wearing a saree, dhoti or long skirt are allowed to enter the temple premises, the NDTV report added.