HC directs to form special panel for appointing assistants to Melsanthis at Sabarimala and Malikappuram

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has directed that a special panel be prepared for appointing assistants to the Melsanthis of Sabarimala and Malikappuram, as well as to Kazhakam and Ulkazhakam staff. The court said the existing practice of Melsanthis appointing assistants of their choice should be stopped.

The court directed that priests from other temples may also be considered for inclusion in the panel. It said only persons with integrity should be included, and that reports from the Devaswom Vigilance and the Special Branch of the police must be obtained before appointments are made. The directions were issued by the Devaswom Bench comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar.

The order was passed while disposing of a suo motu case taken up by the court based on a report submitted by the Special Commissioner. The report was submitted in the background of the Sabarimala gold theft case, in which Unnikrishnan Potty, who had been appointed as an assistant, allegedly played a role.

The court observed that even persons with criminal backgrounds had been appointed as assistants in the past. It said appointing people without proper verification and for low wages at a major pilgrimage centre like Sabarimala was dangerous.

So far, the Sabarimala Melsanthi was allowed to appoint up to 35 assistants and the Malikappuram Melsanthi up to 10 assistants. Ten assistants were permitted in Ulkazhakam and six in Kazhakam.

The court said at least four assistants to the Melsanthi must be experienced, and there must be two experienced Keezhsanthis as well. The Devaswom Board currently pays a daily wage of Rs 450 each to 24 assistants of the Sabarimala Melsanthi and 10 assistants of the Malikappuram Melsanthi. Assistants in Ulkazhakam are paid Rs 250 per day. If more assistants are appointed beyond the approved number, the Melsanthis themselves will have to pay their wages.

Police clearance made mandatory

The Travancore Devaswom Board informed the court that police clearance certificates and identity cards have now been made mandatory for all assistants. The Melsanthis concerned will be fully responsible for their assistants. Entry of assistants into the sanctum sanctorum is also being strictly recorded.