Court mandates transparency and oversight in appointing temple assistants, highlighting risks of unverified selections.

K. V. Jayakumar, J.

This report of the Sabarimala Special Commissioner is with respect to the selection of Melshanthis to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Malikappuram Temple for the year 1201 M.E ( 2025- 26) by draw of lots. The Special Commissioner reported that in compliance with the order of this Court in SSCR No. 28/2025, the selection process of the Melshanthis to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Malikapuram Temple was conducted and the entire selection process was completed in the presence of the Observer as per the directives issued by this Court.

2. When the matter was taken up on 23.10.2025, the learned Standing Counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board, in response to the query posed by this Court, submitted that, to assist the Melshanthi in performing his duties and rituals at the Sannidhanam, 20 assistants are engaged by the Melshanthi himself. These assistants would support Melshanthi throughout his entire tenure. The learned Standing Counsel would further submit that the Melshanthis are paid honorarium by the Board.

3. On 23.10.2025, this Court directed the Devaswom Board to file an affidavit detailing the particulars of the Assistants who accompanied the Melshanthis. Paragraph No. 5 of the said order is extracted hereunder:

“5. Having regard to the above submissions and the significance of ensuring transparency, accountability, and sanctity of service at the Sabarimala and Malikapuram Temples, this Court deems it appropriate to call for a detailed affidavit from the Travancore Devaswom Board. Accordingly, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the Travancore Devaswom Board is directed to file an affidavit narrating all relevant aspects, including but not limited to the following:

1. The names and full identities of the persons who will be assisting the Melshanthis during the current year, i.e., for the year 1201 M.E. (2025–26);

2. Whether any verification or inquiry has been carried out with regard to their antecedents, background, or character;

3. Whether identity proofs or credentials of the persons assisting the Melshanthis are obtained and verified prior to their being permitted to serve at the Sannidhanam;

4. Whether any of these individuals have served in the same capacity during previous years under different Melshanthis; and

5. The manner in which responsibility or accountability is fixed in the event that any such individual is found to be involved in objectionable, unlawful, or reprehensible acts within the temple premises.”

4. In compliance with the said interim order, the Travancore Devaswom Board has filed a memo with regard to the credentials of the persons engaged as Assistants to the Melshanthis. Along with the memo, the proceedings of the Board dated 19.12.2025 in R.O.C. No. 16/25/S and proceedings dated 29.12.2025 in R.O.C. No.10/25/Saba were produced. As per proceedings dated 19.12.2025, the Board has permitted 35 Assistants for Melshanthi of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, 10 Assistants for the Malikappuram Melshanthi, 10 persons as Sabarimala Ulkazhakam and 6 persons as Sabarimala Kazhakam. The remuneration for those Assistants was fixed in the following manner:

5. The said proceedings further state that, for the purpose of performing the rites and rituals of the Sabarimala Temple, the team of Assistants shall consist of a minimum of four experienced persons for the Melshanthis and two for the Keezhshanthis. No remuneration shall be paid by the Board for any Assistants engaged in excess of the aforesaid limit.

6. It is further stated in the said proce