The Kerala Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Commission (KSCSTC) has issued a notice to the Tantri of the Sabarimala temple to show cause why his decision to ritually cleanse the shrine following the entry of two women, one of them a Dalit, early on January 2 should not be construed as a brazen practice of untouchability outlawed by Article 17 of the Constitution.
KSCSTC member S. Ajaykumar told The Hindu he had summoned the priest for a hearing on January 17. However, the Tantri did not appear before the forum. Hence, Mr Ajayakumar said he was constrained by law to issue the Tantri a show cause notice.