Sabarimala Special Commissioner to Submit Report to High Court Over Alleged Irregularities in Melshanthi Appointment; Devaswom Minister Says Action Will Be Taken
Thiruvananthapuram: A controversy has emerged surrounding the appointment of the Melshanthi (chief priest) at Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple after media reports raised serious allegations of irregularities in the selection process. Investigative reports claim that the current Melshanthi, E.D. Prasad, submitted allegedly forged experience certificates to meet the mandatory eligibility requirements for the post.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The selection criteria reportedly require candidates to have at least 10 years of continuous service in temples conducting three daily poojas. However, findings suggest that the documents submitted may have misrepresented the nature of service, particularly in relation to postings at the Chottanikkara Temple and another temple referred to as Areswaram, raising questions about the authenticity of the claimed experience.
Following the emergence of these allegations, the matter has been escalated for legal and administrative review. The Special Commissioner overseeing Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple has confirmed that the issue will be reported to the Kerala High Court for further examination.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The state government has also responded to the controversy, with K. Muralidharan stating that the allegations are being taken seriously and assuring that appropriate action will be taken if any procedural lapses or misconduct are identified.
Yesterday, speaking to the media, Travancore Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar stated that Prasad was appointed by the previous Devaswom Board and assured that the allegations would be investigated based on the information that has now emerged.
He noted that the process of selecting the next Sabarimala Melshanthi is currently underway and said that, in light of the recent revelations, the Board would exercise greater caution in scrutinizing applications and related documents. “We cannot simply ignore the matter without taking appropriate action,” K. Jayakumar said.