Kerala High Court reviews Sabarimala access plea and Malappuram district split demand

The Kerala High Court has sought responses from the state government and authorities regarding a petition filed by a transgender woman, Sathyashri Sharmila Rehemathali, who alleges she was barred from the Sabarimala pilgrimage due to her gender identity. The petitioner claims police prevented her from proceeding to the shrine near Pamba, citing instructions from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

Sharmila argues there is no statutory provision prohibiting transgender devotees from the pilgrimage and notes she has successfully completed the rituals previously. The court has issued notices to the State, the Pathanamthitta District Collector, the TDB, and the Sabarimala thantri, with a hearing scheduled for September 3.

Separately, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has renewed calls to bifurcate the Malappuram district to improve administrative efficiency. This follows the Kerala government's announcement to examine creating a new district centered around Muvattupuzha. IUML leaders argue that Malappuram's high population density and large area justify a new administrative unit to ensure better resource allocation and service delivery.