Kochi: In fresh trouble for the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) amid the ongoing SIT probe into the Sabarimala gold scam, the Kerala High Court has directed the board to file an affidavit clarifying details regarding the appointment of assistants to the head priests (melsanthis) at the Lord Ayyappa Temple.

The court also sought an explanation on the accountability and responsibility of individuals holding these posts. The direction came while the court was considering a suo motu case related to the selection of head priests at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple and the Malikappuram Temple.

A division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar noted that the TDB claimed the entire selection process, including the drawing of lots, was conducted in the presence of a court-appointed observer.

However, when the court specifically inquired about the appointment of assistants, the TDB’s counsel submitted that around 20 persons are brought by the melsanthi himself, serving at his discretion and pleasure during his tenure. The counsel added that these assistants are personally engaged and maintained by the melsanthi, with no financial liability for the TDB.

The bench then sought clarification on whether these assistants are appointed anew every year or remain permanently associated with the temple. The TDB’s counsel sought an adjournment to provide a detailed response.

Before adjourning the matter, the court directed the TDB to file an affidavit containing details including:

a) Names and full identities of persons assisting the melsanthis during the current year (1201 M.E./2025–26);
b) Whether verification or inquiry has been conducted into their antecedents and character;
c) Whether identity proofs or credentials are collected and verified before allowing them to serve at Sannidhanam;
d) Whether any of these individuals have served under previous melsanthis; and
e) How accountability is fixed if any such person is found involved in unlawful or objectionable acts within the temple premises.

The case will be taken up again on October 31.

(Live Law inputs)