In a significant judgment, the Bombay High Court yesterday lifted the ban imposed on women from entering the sanctum sanctorum of Haji Ali dargah in Mumbai, saying it contravenes the fundamental rights of a person. The court has, however, stayed its order for six weeks following a plea by the Haji Ali Dargah Trust, which wants to challenge it in the Supreme Court.

Every euphoric report yesterday quoted triumphantly that a part of the verdict said women should be permitted to enter the dargah on par with men. Celebrations, of course, are on course and it is salutations for all the activists who fought so long and hard for this. But while people only see the publicity and glamour of activism, it can often be a very lonely and challenging road. The women, and a lot of men too, are relishing and cherishing these victorious moments, and rightly so.