While many welcomed the judgment, others expressed their disappointment at the apex court's ruling calling it 'unbalanced'.
The Supreme Court on Friday lifted the age-old ban denying women entry to the famous Sabarimala Temple.
The five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said that banning the entry of women into the shrine is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women.
While many welcomed the judgment, others expressed their disappointment at the apex court's ruling calling it 'unbalanced'.
HERE ARE THE MAJOR REACTIONS
# It’s a wonderful decision. It opens up and brings the way forward for Hinduism to become even more inclusive and not a property of one caste or one sex: Maneka Gandhi, Union Minister for Women & Child Development
# I welcome the decision. Now women can choose if they want to go or not. Earlier it was imposed on them in name of religion. When right to equality and religion are there, right to equality should win: Rekha Sharma, NCW Chief
# There can be no discrimination to worship on the basis of gender or otherwise. A welcome and progressive move towards gender equality by Supreme Court in Sabarimala. As society evolves, so should our religious beliefs and laws: Randeep Surjewala, Spokesperson, Congress
# Today’s verdict by SC vindicates our stand against urban Maoists. In fact, this was absolutely a conspiracy against the nation. SC pointed out that it's not a political conspiracy. SC also appreciated that state govt or GoI isn't trying to curb dissenting voice: Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra
# I respect the court verdict. It is very difficult to arrange special facilities for women in the present context.. The Board has to make arrangements: Kandararu Rajeevaru, Temple priest
# We will go for a review petition after getting support from other religious heads: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, A Padmakumar
# There is a need to change how people think. Age-old practices cannot always be right. Today's ruling is a big win for women everywhere: Trupti Desai, activist
# Our core argument is that deity is a celibate. The deity is the core of the temple. The deity has a right and a soul, and if you are going to destabilise the soul, it will affect every temple. We will move the court in the first week of October: Rahul Easwar, social activist
