Home / Crime and Justice / Justice V G Arun to Oversee Sabarimala Temple Selections
Justice V G Arun to Oversee Sabarimala Temple Selections
29 Sep
Summary
- Former judge V G Arun appointed observer for temple selections.
- Court orders video recording and strict custody of selection documents.
- Selection draw for melsanthis contingent on court review.
The high court has appointed former Justice V G Arun as the observer to supervise the selection of melsanthis for the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Malikappuram Temple. This decision was made during a suo motu proceeding initiated based on a report from the Sabarimala special commissioner. Justice Arun will oversee the interviews scheduled for October 5 at the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) head office in Thiruvananthapuram. He will also be present at Sabarimala for the draw of lots to select the new melsanthis.
The court has issued strict directives to ensure the integrity of the selection process. Mark sheets must be filled in ballpoint pen, countersigned by the observer, and kept in the safe custody of the TDB commissioner. Furthermore, the entire selection proceedings will be recorded on video. Justice Arun is required to submit a report following the interviews. The TDB must produce the video recording CD, mark sheets, and the shortlist in a sealed cover by October 15. The draw of lots will only proceed after the court has reviewed these documents.
