Kerala High Court Seeks Clarity From Devaswom Board On Appointment, Accountability Of Assistants For Head Priests In Sabarimala

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (October 23) directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to file an affidavit clarifying the details regarding appointment and accountability of persons who assist the melsanthis (head priests) at Sannidhanam, Sabarimala.The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was considering a suo motu case regarding selection of head priests at the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha temple and Malikappuram Temples.When the matter came up for consideration, the Court was told that on 18.10.2025, lots were drawn and the entire process of selection was completed in the presence of the Observer appointed by the Court.Thereafter, the Court made a specific enquiry to the TDB's counsel regarding appointment of persons to assist the melsanthis. It was submitted that around 20 persons are brought by the Melshanthi himself, and such persons serve at his discretion and pleasure during his entire tenure.The Court further sought a clarification whether these assistants are brought in every year or are permanently associated with the temple. At this time, the TDB's counsel asked for an adjournment to give a detailed clarification. He also told that the assistants are personally engaged and maintained by the Melshanthi, without any financial burden for the TDB.It directed the TDB to file a detailed affidavit including the following:"a) The names and full identities of the persons who will be assisting the Melshanthis during the current year, i.e., for the year 1201 M.E. (2025–26);b) Whether any verification or inquiry has been carried out with regard to their antecedents, background, or character;c) Whether identity proofs or credentials of the persons assisting the Melshanthis are obtained and verified prior to their being permitted to serve at the Sannidhanam;d) Whether any of these individuals have served in the same capacity during previous years under different Melshanthis; ande) The manner in which responsibility or accountability is fixed in the event that any such individual is found to be involved in objectionable, unlawful, or reprehensible acts within the temple premises."The case would be taken up again on October 31.Case No: SSCR 31/2025Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.Click to Read/Download Order

Kerala High Court Seeks Clarity From Devaswom Board On Appointment, Accountability Of Assistants For Head Priests In Sabarimala

K. Salma Jennath

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