T’puram: CPM general secretary M A Baby on Saturday said LDF govt had no option but to implement the Supreme Court order that lifted restrictions on females between 10 and 50 years from entering Sabarimala temple. “LDF govt was duty-bound to implement the SC order. The VS Achuthanandan-govt had in fact suggested to Supreme Court that any decision on changes in customary practices might be taken in consultation with religious scholars and other knowledgeable persons,” he said.Fielding questions from the media in New Delhi on state govt’s volte-face on Sabarimala women’s entry issue, Baby said media was free to make interpretations, but state govt never endorsed unilateral decisions on matters regarding places of worship. “CPM, as a party, has a firm opinion on matters regarding places of worship. But CPM never insisted LDF govt follow the party stand while conducting its business,” Baby said. The new affidavit submitted by LDF govt objecting to changes in Sabarimala customs and practices had a different background, he added.“It is Supreme Court that is now reviewing its own order. SC, in fact, widened the scope of the subject. The apex court wanted state govt to share its opinion on a number of points,” said Baby. “The questions are not limited to Sabarimala. They are about the change in traditions and practices in any place of worship. One of the questions being looked into by SC is how far it could take a call in matters of customs, practices and tradition in places of worship,” he said.“However, political parties are supposed to consider several aspects when responding to such issues. Generally, such social changes should be advocated based on consensus in society. The Constitution promises fundamental rights to citizens, but such rights should be exercised without breaking harmony,” Baby said.“LDF govt wasn’t trying to implement its decision in Sabarimala. It was following the SC order. All political parties welcomed that order, though some changed their stand on the same day itself,” he said.Achuthanandan govt, in its affidavit submitted in SC, opined that an expert team of persons knowledgeable on matters regarding places of worship be entrusted with the task of taking decisions regarding changes in traditional practices and customs followed in any place of worship. State govt’s response to SC’s latest questions also reflects the same spirit, he added.
