Sabarimala Activism Takes Its Toll? ‘Activist’ Rehana Fathima Arrested For Outraging Religious Feelings

Activist Rehana Fathima who made an unsuccessful attempt to enter the Sabarimala sanctum post the 28 September verdict of Supreme Court that permitted women belonging to childbearing age to enter the temple on 19 October has been arrested, reports Indian Express.

She was arrested on Tuesday (27 November) by the Pathanamthitta police, under the Indian penal code (IPC) section 295(a) which pertains to deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings.

Earlier in the month, Kerala High Court had rejected the anticipatory bail plea filed by Fathima. The High Court also instructed Kerala Police to go ahead with necessary procedure against Fathima.

The case was filed by Sabarimala Samtakshana Samithy with the Pathanamthitta police on 22 October over a Facebook post by the activist. Fathima had moved to the Kerala HC seeking anticipatory bail on 30 October.

Fathima had earlier faced expulsion from the Muslim community at the hands of the Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council for "hurting sentiments of lakhs of Hindu devotees" by attempting to enter the shrine. Her employer, BSNL had also transferred her and initiated an enquiry against her.

Also Read: Kerala HC Rejects ‘Activist’ Rehana Fathima’s Anticipatory Bail, Directs Police To Go Ahead With Necessary Action