Since couple of months the controversy of if women allowed to Shani temple, the Bombay High court stated that No law prevents women from entering a place of worship and if men are allowed, then women too should be permitted, imposing such restriction can face a six month jail term under a Maharashtra law. Chief Justice D H Waghela and Justice M S Sonak headed the judgement panel during the hearing of a public interest litigation. “There is no law that prevents entry of women in any place. If you allow men then you should allow women also. If a male can go and pray before the deity then why not women? It is the state government’s duty to protect the rights of women,” Chief Justice Waghela said. The next hearing on the matter will be held on April 1. The PIL, filed by two women activists, Vidya Bal and Nilima Varta have sought that the court issue directions to the state government and temple authorities to ensure that the prohibition is set aside and women are given entry not just inside the temple but also in the sanctum sanctorum. The petition claims that the prohibition is arbitrary, illegal and violative of the fundamental rights of a citizen. The court has asked Maharashtra government to file a statement during the hearing. also encourages gender disparity, the petition said.