The Kerala High Court has stepped in once again to oversee the sensitive and highly revered process of selecting the Melsanthies (chief priests) for the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Malikappuram Temple. Delivering its order on Monday, the Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar issued a series of directions to ensure transparency and strict adherence to earlier court-approved guidelines.
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Background
Every year, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) selects the Melsanthies through a multi-stage process. Candidates are shortlisted after interviews and finally chosen by a draw of lots conducted at the temple itself. This system was designed after years of legal battles, culminating in a 2011 Supreme Court settlement that fixed how the selection committee should function.
This year, 119 applications were received-70 for Sabarimala and 49 for Malikappuram. Following a vigilance screening, only 53 and 36 candidates respectively were cleared for the interview round, scheduled for October 3 and 4 at the TDB headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RAJA….
Court’s Observations
The Bench stressed that the interview process must be conducted under strict monitoring. “The guidelines laid down in earlier orders of this Court and the 2011 settlement approved by the Apex Court shall be strictly followed,” the judges noted.
Recalling a past incident where wide variations were found in marks awarded by different Tantris (traditional priests), the Court highlighted the need for checks and balances. To avoid any undue advantage being given to a particular candidate, the judges ordered that the Observer must verify the mark list before the draw of lots.
Further, the Court directed that:
- All entries in mark sheets must be made with a ballpoint pen and countersigned by the Observer.
- The entire proceedings of the interview must be video-recorded.
- The shortlisted names, mark lists, and CDs of the interview must be submitted to the Court in sealed cover by October 13, before the lot is drawn.
Decision
To ensure fairness, the Court appointed Justice T.R. Ramachandran Nair, former Judge of the Kerala High Court, as Observer for this year’s selection. He will oversee the interviews in Thiruvananthapuram and also be present during the draw of lots at Sabarimala.
The Bench reiterated that, as per tradition, the Pandalam royal family must nominate a young boy (below 10 years) to draw the lot for Sabarimala and a young girl (below 10 years) for Malikappuram.
Concluding the proceedings, the Court directed that all earlier judgments and orders relevant to the selection be handed over to the Observer. The matter now rests on his report and the subsequent submission of the shortlist, after which the final draw of lots will be permitted.
Case Title: Travancore Devaswom Board – Sabarimala Special Commissioner Report on Selection of Melsanthies (SSCR No. 24 of 2025)
Date of Judgment: 29 September 2025
