If we observe the two main epic sagas of Hinduism, the holy Ramayana and Mahabharata, we find mention of such practices. Few historians have their opinion that such practices although customary or traditional might have started 500-600 years ago.
One such temple in question is Sabarimala Temple located in Kerala where women between the age group of 10 to 50 years are not allowed to enter and perform puja inside the temple. Various cases against this practice have been filed with courts.
On Tuesday the Hon'ble Supreme Court's constitution bench observed that banning of women on account of impure (menstruation) amounts to the practice of untouchability, a social injustice as per law. The apex court further observed that there is no concept of private temples and once a temple is opened everybody can go and offer puja and nobody is excluded. The CJI further added that since Sabarimala Temple depended on consolidated funds which people coming from all over the world contribute to, qualifies as a public place of worship.
In the landmark observation, CJI Dipak Misra said that what applies to man, applies to woman, so women can enter where men can go. Justice Nariman was of that view that prohibition of women (10 years to 50 years of age) is arbitrary and menstruation can also happen as early as nine and extends to the late fifties.
There were some compulsions during that time when entry of women was prohibited inside temples in Kerala. However, in modern times when human society has made so many advances in almost all spheres of life, there is no room for such practices. This observation of the Supreme Court at this time is a welcome move.