The Kerala High Court has passed an interim order allowing a disqualified candidate to provisionally participate in the selection interview for the head priest of Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples.
The candidate, 56-year-old Rajeev MP, had challenged his disqualification by the Travancore Devaswom Board. The court allowed him to attend the interview scheduled for October 7.
The selection process is being conducted to appoint the melsanthi, or chief priest, of the Sabarimala Sree Dharmasatha Temple and Malikappuram Temple for the 2026-27 Malayalam year.
Rajeev argued before the court that he met the eligibility conditions mentioned in the selection notification and guidelines issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
He also pointed out that he had previously been included in the selection process after meeting the required conditions.
The Kerala High Court considered the documents produced by the petitioner and found grounds to issue an interim direction.
The court made it clear that his participation would remain provisional. The final outcome will depend on further orders in the case.
The court has posted the matter for further hearing on November 2. Until then, the selection process can continue with the candidate participating under the court’s interim order.
The Sabarimala melsanthi selection is closely watched because of the importance of the temple and the annual pilgrimage season.
The selection process is conducted by the Travancore Devaswom Board under prescribed procedures. Candidates are required to meet specific eligibility conditions before participating.
The High Court’s intervention has added a legal dimension to this year’s selection process. The court will examine the broader dispute during the next hearing.
Meanwhile, the interview process is proceeding as scheduled. The selection of the head priests is expected to be completed after the required procedures are followed.
The court order does not finally decide the candidate’s eligibility. It only permits provisional participation until the matter is considered further.
The development is likely to remain under close watch as Kerala prepares for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
