Kerala High Court Upholds Transparent Selection Process for Sabarimala Temple Priests
Melsanthies to be chosen through a rigorous interview process and lot draw, ensuring adherence to constitutional and religious guidelines.
In a landmark judgment, the Kerala High Court has laid down a comprehensive framework for the selection of Melsanthies (priests) at the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Malikappuram Temple for the year 1201 ME (2025-2026). The court emphasized strict adherence to the guidelines prescribed by the Apex Court and previous orders of the Kerala High Court to ensure a fair, transparent, and constitutionally compliant selection process.
The judgment, delivered by Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K. V. Jayakumar, outlined the selection process, emphasizing its unique status, which intertwines religious faith with administrative procedures. The court reiterated that while the selection of Melsanthies cannot be treated merely as public employment, it must still adhere to the principles of transparency and fairness.
In a move to ensure impartiality, the court appointed Mr. Justice T.R. Ramachandran Nair as an Observer to oversee the selection proceedings. The Observer is tasked with ensuring that the interviews, scheduled for October 3 and 4, 2025, are conducted fairly, with all proceedings being video-graphed for transparency.
The selection process will involve a detailed interview where candidates will be evaluated on their knowledge of Sanskrit, poojas, rites, and Tanthric rituals, among other religious matters. The final selection will be made by drawing lots, a method deeply rooted in tradition, with children from the Pandalam Royal Family participating in the process.
The court also directed that the Travancore Devaswom Board produce all relevant documents, including mark lists and video recordings, in a sealed cover for judicial review before the lot draw. This step ensures that the entire process remains above board and free from bias.
The judgment further highlighted the role of the Pandalam Royal Family and the Travancore Devaswom Board in maintaining the sanctity and tradition of the selection process. It underscored that any deviation from the established guidelines would be met with judicial scrutiny, thereby safeguarding the interests of the temple’s devotees and preserving the temple's sanctity.
This decision is part of a broader effort to balance religious traditions with modern principles of governance, ensuring that the selection of temple priests remains a matter of faith, free from undue influence or irregularities.
Bottom Line:
Selection process for Melsanthies of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Malikappuram Temple for the year 1201 ME (2025-2026) to be conducted strictly in adherence to guidelines prescribed by the Apex Court and previous orders of Kerala High Court.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India.
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2785569
