MUMBAI, INDIA, April 3, 2016 (Deccan Chronicle): A day after the Bombay High Court ruled that entry to temples was a fundamental right of women and it was the state’s fundamental duty to protect it, the activists of the Bhumata Ranragini Brigade led by Trupti Desai tried to gain entry into the core area of the popular Shani shrine in Ahmednagar district where women are traditionally banned, amid a tense face-off. It was the second abortive attempt by the activists in two months.
On reaching the temple, Ms. Desai and her followers tried to scale the sacred platform but members of the local resistance group and temple officials pushed them away. Police then intervened, took the activists to a spot 100 metres away from the platform and threw a protective ring around them.
Upset at her attempt being foiled, Ms. Desai said she would file an FIR against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis if he fails to honor the Bombay High Court order facilitating entry of women to places of worship. She also demanded Fadnavis’ resignation as home minister for failing to honor the High Court order.