UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq Wades Into Sabarimala Waters: Says World Body ‘Encourages’ All To ‘Respect’ Rule Of Law

Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres, has claimed that the world body encourages all to respect the Supreme Court's decision on the Sabarimala issue.

The Sabarimala temple in Kerala was forbidden for women aged between 10 and 50, until the Supreme Court of India passed a judgement which allowed women of all ages to enter the shrine. However, the decision of the Supreme Court has come along with massive repercussions, with monumental protests from Hindus who are against the verdict.

The spokesperson was asked about UN’s stand on the Sabarimala issue in the wake of the widespread violence in Kerala, to which he reiterated that the UN encourages all to respect the laws of the country.

“As you know, this is an issue on which the Supreme Court of India has commented. So, we will leave the matter in the hands of the authorities in India. Of course, we want all parties to respect the rule of law, and you’re aware of the UN’s position on equal rights of all people,” said Haq, according to Indian Express.

The state of Kerala has been a battleground between the Right and Left wings since the Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government publicly declared its zeal to implement the Supreme Court ruling.