JUDGMENT :

ANIL K. NARENDRAN, J.

1. The petitioner submitted an application for being selected as the Melsanthi of Sabarimala Devaswom, for the year 1198 ME (2022-23), based on Ext.P1 notification dated 06.07.2022, issued by the 2nd respondent Devaswom Commissioner, Travancore Devaswom Board. The petitioner has filed this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking a writ of mandamus commanding the respondents to consider his applications in accordance with the age qualification prescribed in Ext.P1 notification, without insisting on the condition prescribed in the norms attached thereto. The petitioner has also sought for a declaration that the condition prescribed in the norms attached to Ext.P1 notification that the age of the applicants for selection to the post of Melsanthies of Sabarimala Devaswom and Malikappuram Devaswom shall not exceed 60 years as on the date of completion of the term of the appointment, i.e. as on 30th Thulam 1198 ME, is unreasonable and such condition is not in accordance with the qualification prescribed in Ext.P1 notification. As per Ext.P1 notification, as on 1st Chingam, 1198 ME, the applicants shall be aged between 35 years