Women too allowed in place of worship: Bombay HC

Bombay high court has observed that no law prevents women from entering a place of worship and if men are allowed, then women too should be permitted. The court also stated that any temple or person imposing such restriction can face a six month jail term under the Maharashtra Hindu Place of Worship (Entry Authorisation) Act, 1956. 

The observations were made by a division bench of Chief Justice DH Waghela and Justice MS Sonak during the hearing of a PIL challenging the prohibition of entry of women in the



Shani Shingnapur temple in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Chief Justice Waghela said there is no law that prevents entry of women in any place. It is the state government's duty to protect the rights of women. He also said that if it is the sanctity of the deity that people are worried about then let the government make such a statement. The court further said that the government should give wide publicity to the Act and issue circulars, informing the general public at large about the Act and its provisions.