HC declines to stay notification on Melsanthi appointments

Justices orally observed that this was not a matter where one could hurriedly take a decision, adding that they cannot pass an interim order now.

A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on July 28 declined to stay the notification issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) stipulating that only 'Malayala Brahmins' alone are eligible to apply for the post of Melsanthis (head priests) in Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples. When the petitions challenging the notification came up for hearing, the Bench comprising Justice C.T. Ravi Kumar and Justice Murali Purashothaman orally observed that this was not a matter where one could hurriedly take a decision, adding that "We cannot pass an interim order now. The matter requires detailed consideration. We are not making any observations on the merit of the case." The court also asked the TDB and others to file counter-affidavits in the case.