The Devaswom Bench, the Kerala High Court's special bench for temple matters

Background

This explains the court that issued today's Sabarimala directions to the Kerala Water Authority and the Travancore Devaswom Board.
The Devaswom Bench is a Division Bench of the High Court of Kerala set apart to hear matters relating to the Devaswom Boards and the temples under them.
It deals with the Travancore Devaswom Board, which administers Sabarimala, and the Cochin Devaswom Board.
Matters before it include temple administration, the use of Devaswom funds, pilgrimage arrangements and the condition of buildings on pilgrim routes.
The Bench is assisted in Sabarimala matters by a Special Commissioner who inspects and reports on ground conditions.
It also monitors works by departments and agencies such as the Kerala Water Authority when they serve the pilgrimage.