On April 1, Bombay High Court passed a ruling that said it is a fundamental right of every woman to go inside places of worship. However, it made no difference to the temple authorities. Around 25 women activists led by Trupti Desai entered the premises of Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra, but were stopped by locals from offering prayer in the inner sanctum.

We are not going to turn around and if need be we will file an FIR against HM and CM- Trupti Desai #ShaniShinganapur pic.twitter.com/mhIVB6eWHN

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 2, 2016

‘We are not going to turn around and if need be we will file an FIR (first information report) against the home minister and chief minister,’ said activist Desai. The court on Friday ruled that offering prayers at a temple is the fundamental right of a woman and the government's fundamental duty to protect their (women) right.

Bhumata brigade storm #ShaniShinganapur temple complex, stopped by locals and temple trust pic.twitter.com/Q85Ubckwxe

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 2, 2016

Desai was sure that ladies would be allowed entry into the inner sanctum. She said, ‘I dont think anyone will stop us today, court has already given its order. This is a victory for us. If anyone stops us today we will file an FIR (first information report) against them.’ The Maharashtra government has said it will take all steps to comply with the order by enforcing a law that provides six months in prison for preventing anyone from entering a temple.

Stand off b/w Bhumata brigade & locals at #ShaniShinganapur temple complex,locals raise slogans against Trupti Desai pic.twitter.com/j1W3sOeO6I

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 2, 2016

Desai has been stopped in the past by the police and hundreds of locals, including women, from forcing her way into the Shani Shingnapur temple, where women are strictly prohibiting from entering the inner sanctum. Shaina NC, spokesperson BJP said, ‘The court has given a landmark judgment. Men and women have to be treated equally in 21st century.’ In a similar incident in 2015, a woman devotee had managed to offer prayers to the idol at the Shani Shingnapur temple. After which, an elaborate cleansing ritual was immediately carried out by a priest. Meanwhile, member of an action committee formed to maintain the 400-year-old tradition, Sambhaji Dahatonde said, "We will soon approach the Supreme Court against the High Court ruling as it is a matter of protecting the faith of devotees.’