The Supreme Court directed Karnataka chief secretary
to take all steps to prevent women from being forced to become 'devadasis' at a
temple function scheduled to be held on Thursday night in Devnagar district of
the state.
A bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam passed
the direction on a PIL filed by an NGO, S L Foundation, alleging that
'devadasis' dedication is going to take place at Uttarang Mala Durga temple at
Harappanahalli Taluk of Devnagar district.
The bench also issued notice to the Karnataka
government and asked it to file a response on the PIL seeking framing of
guidelines to stop the tradition of 'devadasis', saying it is a national shame.
The petitioner alleged that the process of
'devadasi' dedication is still prevalent in different parts of the country
despite the law against it and pleaded for the apex court's intervention in the
matter.
A 'devadasi' is a woman "dedicated" to
worship and service of a deity or a temple for the rest of her life.
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