The Kerala High Court has issued directions to ensure transparency in the selection process for the new Melsanthis, or head priests, at the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha and Malikappuram temples. The order follows a report filed by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan on the matter.
In a Division Bench hearing, Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar appointed retired High Court Judge V.G. Arun as the observer for the interview process scheduled for October 5 at the Travancore Devaswom Board headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Judge Arun will also supervise the subsequent drawing of lots for the post, which will take place at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam.
The court noted that 48 applications were received for the Sabarimala post and 30 for Malikappuram. After a vigilance enquiry, five applications were recommended for interview at Sabarimala and three for Malikappuram.
The selected Melsanthis will serve a one‑year tenure from Vrischikam 1 to Thulam 31 next year, corresponding to November 17, 2026, through November 16, 2027.
