Kochi:
The Kerala High Court on Friday made significant oral observations on the state of women empowerment in Kerala, drawing attention to the contradictory reactions to the Supreme Court’s landmark 2018 Sabarimala verdict. The bench noted that despite the apex court’s progressive ruling allowing women of all ages entry into the Sabarimala temple, opposition arose from within the female community itself, exposing complexities within Kerala’s feminist narrative.
A special bench comprising Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice C. S. Sudha reflected on the disparity between women’s public and private empowerment. “Kerala has a unique history when it comes to women’s rights. While there has been notable progress in the public sphere, private domains like homes and religious spaces still lack meaningful empowerment,” the court remarked.
The bench is currently addressing issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, particularly in light of revelations from the Justice Hema Committee Report. The judges commented that while Kerala women have historically led social and caste reform movements, the backlash against the Sabarimala verdict suggests limited change in personal and religious spaces.
The court emphasized the need for legislative and societal change, stating, “Legislation can spark progress, but true transformation must begin at home. Awareness within households can foster change even before laws do.”
The Kerala government has informed the court of plans to host a “Cinema Conclave” in Ernakulam by the end of April or early May, following which a dedicated policy and special legislation addressing women’s issues in the film industry—and possibly beyond—will be framed.
