A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar passed the order in a suo motu proceeding arising from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner's report concerning the selection process.

“Having perused the report of the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, we appoint Mr. Justice V.G. Arun, a former Judge of this Court, as the 'Observer' and request him to oversee the proceedings for selection of Melsanthies of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Malikappuram Temple, for the year 1202 ME (2026-2027) at the Travancore Devaswom Board Head Office, Thiruvananthapuram. We also request him to be there in Sabarimala at the time of the draw of lots.” Court ordered.

The court noted that 78 applications, 48 for Sabarimala and 30 for Malikappuram had been received for the current selection. Following a vigilance enquiry, five candidates were recommended for interview for Sabarimala and three for Malikappuram. The interviews are scheduled for October 5, 2026, from 11 a.m. at the Travancore Devaswom Board's headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Bench directed the Selection Committee to strictly follow the directions and guidelines contained in the Supreme Court's order dated September 6, 2011, as well as subsequent orders issued by the Kerala High Court between 2018 and 2024 concerning the Melsanthi selection process.

The court referred to an earlier observer's report from the 2019-20 selection, which had pointed out a wide variation in the marks awarded by the three Thanthris. The court said the observer's role was intended to help ensure that the interview process was conducted fairly and that no candidate received an undue advantage through excessive marks.

The directions include use of ball point pen while entering the marks, safe keep of mark sheets, countersigned by the Observer, with the Commissioner of TDB and videography of the entire proceedings.

The observer has been directed to submit a report to the High Court after the completion of the interviews. The Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, is also required to file a report, which will be placed before the Bench on the next working day.

Regarding entry of persons to the 'Sopanam enclosure' (secured area leading to inner shrine) of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, at the time of draw of lots, the Court directed that its directions in Madhusoodanan Namboothiri v. State of Kerala must be followed.

The High Court further directed the Travancore Devaswom Board Commissioner to produce the selection proceedings' CD, mark lists and shortlist before the court in a sealed cover, through the Board's standing counsel, on or before October 15.

The Board may proceed with the draw of lots only after the court considers the observer's report, shortlist and video recording of the selection proceedings and passes further orders.

“After the production of the mark lists, shortlist and the CD of the selection proceedings, Travancore Devaswom Board may proceed with the draw of lots, subject to orders to be passed by this Court on perusal of the report of the Observer, the short list and the CD of the selection proceedings.” Court ordered.

The court also reiterated an earlier direction that the Senior Raja of the Pandalam Royal Family should depute a male child aged not above 10 years for the Sabarimala draw and a female child aged not above 10 years for the Malikappuram draw.

The Court disposed of the Special Commissioner's report with the above directions.

Counsel for Respondents: G. Biju (SC - TDB), K.R. Sunil (Spl. GP), Sayujya Radhakrishnan (SC - High Power Committee)