kerala-hc-sets-deadline-for-sabarimala-priest-selection

The Kerala High Court has ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to release the selection lists for Melsanthies (chief priests) of Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples by 12 October 2024. The annual draw for selecting Melsanthies will occur on 17 October.

 

The court's decision came from a suo moto case following a report by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. The issue involved candidates lacking the required 10 years of continuous experience as per the board’s notification.

 

The TDB is a state entity under Article 12 of the Constitution. It must follow proper procedures when appointing Melsanthies. In the case Mohandas Embranthiri v. Travancore Devaswom Board (2001), the court ruled that the TDB must ensure transparency in its selection process. Previous court rulings have established that Melsanthies must meet strict criteria, including ten years of continuous experience in a temple with daily poojas and public worship.

 

The TDB’s selection process requires candidates to submit certificates proving their experience in the required format. In Travancore Devaswom Board v. Deputy Examiner for Local Fund Audit (2022), the court stated that candidates could not replace their certificates after submitting their applications.

 

The court found discrepancies in the current selection list for Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples. Some candidates were allowed to file new experience certificates, contrary to the previous ruling. Despite these discrepancies, the court has permitted the TDB to publish the lists on their website. However, the inclusion of certain candidates will be subject to further court orders.

 

The court emphasised that the draw of lots must follow its directions, with the presence of an observer and the Special Commissioner. It instructed the Registrar (Judicial) to provide the sealed selection lists to the TDB’s legal counsel, who would then deliver them to the TDB Commissioner.

 

The court clarified that the selection lists are provisional, pending further review. It reiterated that the TDB must ensure fairness and transparency in its selection process for Melsanthies. The draw of lots for the year 1200 ME (Malayalam Era), corresponding to 2024-25, will be held under these conditions.