Kerala HC Orders Travancore Devaswom Board To Prepare Panel Of Qualified Employees For Appointment As Assistants To Sabarimala Melshanthis

A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar issued the directions while disposing, a suo motu proceeding arising from the selection of Melshanthis for the Sabarimala temple and the Malikappuram Temples.

The case originated from the draw of lots conducted on October 18, 2025, for appointing Melshanthis, which was carried out under court supervision. During subsequent hearings, the Court examined the practice of engaging assistants who aid Melshanthis in performing daily rituals at the Sannidhanam. It emerged that while Melshanthis are paid honorarium by the Board, assistants are largely selected at the discretion of the Melshanthis themselves, with minimal institutional scrutiny.

The Court had earlier sought a detailed affidavit from the Devaswom Board on the identity, background verification, and accountability mechanisms concerning these assistants. In response, the Board produced proceedings showing that although Police Clearance Certificates and vigilance clearances were required, several applicants recommended as assistants were found to have criminal antecedents. Out of 48 applicants for identity cards as assistants to the Sabarimala Melshanthi, only 18 were approved, while just 7 out of 23 applicants were cleared for Malikappuram.

The Bench noted that assistants are paid daily wages of ₹450 for assistants to Melshanthis and ₹250 for Ulkazhakam and that any assistants engaged beyond the Board approved limit receive no remuneration at all.

The Court observed that such a system, coupled with unchecked discretion in selection, poses risks of corruption, misappropriation, and compromise of temple sanctity.

“The present practice of selection of assistants by the Melshantis, Kazhakam and Ulkazhakam without verifying their credentials, background and antecedents to serve in important temples like Sabarimala—especially without adequate remuneration—poses significant risks. Such a course may lead to misappropriation of funds, valuables, and other forms of corruption.” the Court said.

The High Court thus directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to prepare a vetted panel of qualified assistants, whose credentials must be verified through the Board's Vigilance Wing and the Special Branch.

The Court ordered that only individuals of impeccable integrity must be included and mandated that the practice of Melshanthis, Kazhakam, and Ulkazhakam independently appointing assistants be discontinued. As an alternative, the Board was permitted to explore deputation of staff from other temples.

With these observations, the Court disposed of the matter

Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: SSCR 31/ 2025

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 75

Counsel for Respondent: G Biju (SC- TDB), S Rajmohan (Sr.GP)

Amicus Curiae: Sayujya Radhakrishnan