In a significant initiative, Kerala's [Images] Left Democratic Front government has mooted a separate pilgrimage season for women at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, to end the controversy over the ban on the entry of women of certain age groups at the hill shrine.

In its affidavit filed in the apex court on Wednesday, in response to a case seeking a direction to lift the traditional ban on women in the age group of 10 and 50 years at the temple, the government has also suggested that the court could form a scholars' panel to study the proposal.

The affidavit said the government was of the view that there should not be any gender discrimination.

Though the government was for maintaining equal status for men and women, a separate season for women was necessary in view of the practical difficulties in providing facilities for women, when lakhs of devotees converge there during the pilgrimage season between November and January, it said.

Apparently referring to the strong opposition by conservative groups against the entry of women of all ages, it said the government was not the last word, as customs and traditions would also have to be taken into consideration.

Therefore, the court could appoint a scholars' panel to study various aspects of the issue as government had no plans of bringing in a legislation. The government will go by the
court's decision, the affidavit, which was filed in response to the petition by the Young Lawyers Association, said.

The entry of women into the hill shrine had become a major controversy after Kannada actress Jayamala claimed that she had entered the sanctum sanctorium of the temple years ago.