High Court Directs Travancore Devaswom Board to Submit Details of Sabarimala Melshanthi’s Assistants
The Kerala High Court’s Devaswom Bench has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to submit the complete list and details of all assistants working under this year’s Sabarimala Melshanthi (chief priest). The court instructed the Board to clarify whether the documents and credentials of these assistants were verified before they began their service at the Sannidhanam.
The directive was issued in a suo motu case initiated by the High Court based on the report of the Sabarimala Special Commissioner regarding the appointment of the Melshanthi.
The court also asked the TDB to confirm whether the past records and background details of these assistants have been collected. It further directed the Board to specify if any of them had previously served under other Melshanthies at Sabarimala. Additionally, the court sought clarity on who would be held responsible if any of these assistants were found involved in illegal or improper activities. The Bench has instructed the TDB to file a detailed affidavit on these matters.
Appearing for the Travancore Devaswom Board, the Standing Counsel informed the court that around 20 individuals are brought in by the Melshanthi himself to assist in performing rituals and temple duties at the Sannidhanam. These assistants serve under his Supervision throughout his tenure. The counsel further stated that the Board provides only an honorarium to the Melshanthi and does not offer any remuneration or financial benefits to his assistants.