Kerala High Court appoints former judge V.G. Arun as observer for Sabarimala and Malikappuram melsanthi selection
29 September 2026
A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar, hearing a suo motu case, appointed former judge Justice V.G. Arun as observer for the 2026-27 melsanthi selection at the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and the Malikappuram Temple. The Travancore Devaswom Board received 78 applications, 48 for Sabarimala and 30 for Malikappuram. Five Sabarimala and three Malikappuram applicants have been shortlisted for interview on 5 October at the Board headquarters. Marks must be entered in ball point pen and countersigned by the observer, and the proceedings must be video recorded. The Board must submit the mark lists, shortlist and proceedings recording in a sealed cover by 15 October, and the draw of lots may proceed only after the court reviews them.
In plain words
Melsanthi Chief priest — The head priest of a temple, chosen for a one-year term at Sabarimala by a draw of lots.
Suo motu On its own motion — A case a court starts by itself without a petition from a party.
TDB Travancore Devaswom Board — The statutory body that administers Sabarimala and many other temples in southern Kerala.