Sabarimala case petitioner alleges threat; wants to withdraw plea

A lawyer who is leading a campaign for women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple claimed on Friday before the Supreme Court that he has received 500 threat calls, some from the United States, and sought permission to withdraw his plea.

A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and N V Ramana declined advocate Naushad Ahmed Khan’s request and hinted at appointing an amicus curiae.

“Once a PIL is filed and heard, it cannot be allowed to be withdrawn. Let people know this that once a PIL is filed and entertained, you cannot withdraw it,” the bench stated and put the matter for consideration on Monday.

Khan is president of Indian Young Lawyers' Association (IYLA) which has filed the PIL on the Sabarimala issue. The question of the right of women would be decided Constitutionally and the plea cannot be withdrawn like this, the court added.

The apex court had on January 11 questioned the Sabarimala temple authorities as to why women are barred from entering the shrine in violation of their Constitutional rights.