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The Kerala High Court has appointed retired judge Justice TR Ramachandran Nair as an observer to monitor the selection process of Melsanthis (chief priests) for the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha temple and Malikappuram temple in the upcoming 2025–2026 cycle. The order came in a suo motu case, with the Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar emphasizing the need for transparency and strict adherence to established guidelines during the selection.

This appointment follows past concerns highlighted in official reports regarding disparities in marks awarded by interviewing Thanthries, the priests. For the current cycle, 119 applications were received, and 53 and 36 candidates have been shortlisted for the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples, respectively. The process involves candidate interviews, marking under strict oversight, and selection through a draw of lots, which will be video-graphed. The marksheets, shortlist, and other records will be submitted to the Court for review before the draw is permitted.

The Travancore Devaswom Board is tasked with ensuring the observer’s accommodation and transport, as well as compliance with customary practices involving members of the Pandalam Royal family in the drawing of lots. The observer will file a report to guarantee the integrity and fairness of the selection, with the Court to decide on its approval before final appointments proceed.