Kerala HC directs transparency in selection of Sabarimala, Malikappuram Melsanthis
The Kerala High Court has ordered measures to ensure transparency in the selection of new Melsanthis (head priests) for the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha and Malikappuram temples, taking up a report submitted by Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan. The court has instituted independent oversight for the interview and selection stages and set clear protocols for the final appointment.
Court appoints observer for interviews and lot-drawing
A Division Bench comprising Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar appointed retired High Court judge Justice V.G. Arun as the observer for the interview process scheduled for October 5 at the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The court further directed that Justice Arun supervise the subsequent drawing of lots for the appointments at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam, thereby extending independent oversight to both key stages of the process.
Applications shortlisted after Vigilance enquiry
According to the court, a total of 48 applications were received for the Sabarimala post and 30 for Malikappuram. Following a Vigilance enquiry, five applications for Sabarimala and three for Malikappuram were recommended for interview. The court’s directions seek to ensure that the selection of Melsanthis proceeds in a manner that is transparent, fair and subject to independent monitoring.
One-year tenure set for new Melsanthis
The court noted that the Melsanthis to be appointed will serve for one year, from Vrischikam 1 to Thulam 31 of the following year. In the Gregorian calendar, the tenure will run from November 17, 2026 to November 16, 2027.
Next steps in the selection process
With interviews slated for October 5, the process will move to the final stage of drawing lots at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam under the supervision of the court-appointed observer. The directions were issued while the Bench was considering the Special Commissioner’s report, and they underscore the court’s emphasis on transparency and procedural integrity in the appointment of head priests at the two temples.
The court’s intervention formalizes oversight of the interviews and the lot-drawing to ensure the selection is conducted in a manner consistent with the standards of fairness expected in temple administration processes.
