The Supreme Court today has sought a response from the Kerala government regarding the requirement for the Melshanthi (high priest) position at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple to be filled by a Malayala Brahmin. This requirement is being challenged as a violation of constitutional rights, arguing that the selection should not be restricted to a specific community. The case is scheduled for further hearing on October 25.
The Kerala High Court upheld the Travancore Devaswom Board’s mandate that the Melshanthi (High Priest) at Sabarimala Temple must be from the Malayala Brahmin community. The court dismissed challenges citing inadequate pleadings and affirmed the caste criteria. Controversy surrounds the constitutional rights and appointment process for this position. (Word count: 49)
