08 Nov 2018 | 10:30 AM UTC
India: Possible gatherings related to Supreme Court temple verdict Nov. 13 /update 1
Gatherings likely on November 13 to protest Supreme Court Sabarimala verdict; further protests and civil unrest likely in the near term
Event
Demonstrations by civil society groups and political parties can be expected to take place nationwide on Tuesday, November 13 as the Supreme Court is set to hear petitions to review the verdict on the right of women to enter the Sabarimala temple. Further civil unrest can be expected if a decision to retain the verdict is announced. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any gatherings.
Context
On September 28, the Supreme Court of India ruled that women of all ages were allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple, overturning a 1991 ruling by the Kerala High Court that forbid women over the age of 10 and below of age of 50 from entering the temple. Civil society groups and political parties called for a demonstration to be held in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala state) on October 15, to protest a ruling by India's Supreme Court to allow women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple.
Advice
Individuals in India, especially in Kerala, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate significant transportation disruptions, avoid public gatherings, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
