The Kerala High Court on Monday (24 August) sought the State government's response to a petition by a transgender devotee who alleged that she was stopped at Pamba from proceeding to the Sabarimala temple because of her gender identity.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Gopinath P and Justice S Manu issued notice to the State and listed the matter for further consideration on September 3, 2026.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed by Sathyashri Sharmila Rehemathali, who identifies as a transgender woman and claims to be a regular Sabarimala pilgrim.
According to her petition, she reached Pamba on August 20 after observing the required Vratham and carrying the Irumudi. She alleged that at around 3:30 PM, during a police inspection near the Pamba Ganapathi Temple, she was stopped and told that she could not proceed uphill because she was transgender.
The petitioner further alleged that police officials informed her that the Travancore Devaswom Board had directed them not to allow transgender persons to proceed to Sabarimala.
The petitioner claimed that when she asked to see the written order, circular or notification imposing such a restriction, the document was not shown to her.
She also pointed out that she had previously visited Sabarimala on January 3 and April 15, 2026, and had been allowed to complete her pilgrimage.
Relying on Section 3(e) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the petition questioned the alleged restriction on access to public places and religious institutions.
“The petitioner has challenged the alleged restriction on her pilgrimage on the ground that she was denied permission solely on account of her transgender identity.”
The Bench issued notice to the State government and sought its response to the allegations raised in the petition.
The petitioner had also sought permission to visit Sabarimala on August 26 for Thiruvonam and make an offering to the deity. However, the Court did not grant that request at Monday's hearing.
The Kerala High Court issued notice to the State and posted the matter for further consideration on September 3, 2026.
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