Kerala High Court Orders Devaswom Board to Create Panel for Sabarimala Assistant Appointments
Kochi ∙ The High Court has directed the Devaswom Board to prepare a panel for selecting assistants for the head priests (Melshanthis), Kazhakam, and Ulkazhakam at Sabarimala. The court also ordered that the current practice of appointing assistants solely based on the decision of the Melshanthis, Kazhakam, and Ulkazhakam should be stopped.
The directive was issued by Justices A. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar while considering matters related to the assistants of the Sabarimala Melshanthi and others. The court pointed out that some of those appointed as assistants have criminal backgrounds.
The court observed that at present, the Devaswom Board has no role in deciding the assistants of the Melshanthis and others, and said this situation must change. The Board should verify the background of those appointed as assistants through its vigilance wing and the Special Branch. The court also suggested that the Board should examine the possibility of appointing priests from other temples on deputation.
Earlier, the Court had directed the Devaswom Board to file a detailed affidavit regarding the identity, background verification, and accountability measures relating to these assistants. In response, the Board submitted records showing that while Police Clearance Certificates and vigilance clearances were mandatory, several recommended applicants had criminal backgrounds. Of the 48 applicants who sought identity cards as assistants to the Sabarimala Melshanthi, only 18 were approved. Similarly, only 7 out of 23 applicants were cleared for Malikappuram.
Currently, up to 35 assistants are allowed for the Melshanthi, but the Board pays remuneration to only 24 of them. The permitted number of assistants is: Sabarimala Melshanthi (24), Malikappuram Melshanthi (10), and Ulkazhakam (10). The assistants of the Sabarimala and Malikappuram Melshanthis receive ₹450 per day, while assistants of Ulkazhakam receive ₹250 per day.
The Board pays only this limited number of assistants. If more are appointed, they will not receive remuneration. The court noted that such a situation is very serious and could lead to corruption and other irregularities. It therefore directed the Board to intervene and bring changes in the system.