Kerala High Court Appoints Former Judge As Observer In Selection Of Melsanthies At Sabarimala & Malikappuram Temples
The Court directed that the process of interviewing and shortlisting candidates for the post of Melsanthi must strictly follow the guidelines laid down in earlier orders and the settlement approved by the Supreme Court
Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V, Justice K.V. Jayakumar, Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has appointed Justice T.R. Ramachandran Nair, a former Judge of the Court, as Observer to oversee the selection of Melsanthies (Head Priests) at the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and the Malikappuram Temple for the year 2025–26.
The Court further directed that the entire process be conducted with strict adherence to fairness, transparency, and the guidelines previously framed by the Court and the Supreme Court.
A Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar while hearing suo motu proceedings initiated based on a report filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, regarding measures required to ensure transparency in the interview and shortlisting of candidates for the draw of lots to select Melsanthies, remarked: “Having perused the report of the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, we appoint Mr. Justice T.R. Ramachandran Nair, 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 1201 ME (2025-2026) 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. We direct the Travancore Devaswom Board to arrange necessary conveyance and accommodation for the Observer.”
Senior Government Pleader S. Rajmohan, Standing Counsel G. Biju, and Amicus Curiae Sayujya Radhakrishnan appeared in the matter
The High Court emphasised that the directions contained in earlier judgments must be followed in letter and spirit by the Selection Committee. It further reiterated that transparency, fairness, and adherence to established procedures are indispensable to preserving the sanctity of the selection process.
Appointing Justice Ramachandran Nair as Observer, the Court requested him to oversee the interviews, verify the mark lists, and be present at Sabarimala during the draw of lots. The Observer was also asked to submit a report to the Court, along with the CD recording of the proceedings and the shortlisted names, before the draw of lots is conducted.
The High Court further directed that all interviews be videographed, mark sheets be signed in ink and countersigned by the Observer, and the documents be kept in the safe custody of the Travancore Devaswom Board Commissioner. The Bench noted that similar precautions had been suggested in earlier years after concerns were raised about disparities in the awarding of marks.
Taking note of the Special Commissioner’s report, the Court ordered that the interviews be held as scheduled on October 3 and 4, 2025, under the supervision of the appointed Observer. The mark lists, shortlist, and Observer’s report are to be submitted to the Court before the draw of lots, which will proceed subject to further orders of the High Court.
Cause Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala (Neutral Citation: 2025:KER:72399)
Appearances: Senior Government Pleader S. Rajmohan, Standing Counsel G. Biju, and Amicus Curiae Sayujya Radhakrishnan.
