Pathanamthitta: On October 23, the Supreme Court will decide on taking up the review petitions pertaining to the Sabarimala case. The Supreme Court verdict on September 28 allowing the entry of women of all age groups into Kerala’s Sabarimala temple had made the famous shrine a battlefield. A total of 19 review petitions have been filed before the court.

The devotees have been protesting at the divine shrine waiting for a verdict in their favour. Anagha Ramesh, a student of the central university, Kasaragod, said to Mynation, "I believe that the Supreme Court will change its verdict on Sabarimala. The court can't play with sentiments of devotees." 

And the devotees are gearing up to intensify the protest if their prayers aren't heard. Christy Thomas, a native of Kottayam district, said, "Supreme Court should change its verdict for the true devotees, otherwise Sabarimala will continue to remain a battlefield forever." Echoing the same thought is Sibinlal Puthusseri Valappil, a Bangalore native. "If the Supreme Court doesn't change the verdict, more protests will be witnessed all over Kerala and there are chances of more violence in the state," he said.

While some atheists of the likes of Rehana Fathima have hurt the sentiments of Hindus, there are some others, who are hoping that emotions of Ayyappa followers are seriously taken into consideration. Aswanth, a native of Kannur district, said, "I wish the Supreme Court changes its verdict. I don't enter the temple or even believe in God, but still, I don't want the devotees' sentiments to be hurt by the Supreme Court."

The countdown has begun. The doors of Sabarimala temple will be closed at 10 pm today. The upcoming verdict will decide if the same doors will open on November 5 next in a more peaceful circumstance.