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In Sabarimala and Malikkapuram temples in Kerala the Head Priests are called “Melsanthi”. Recently the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) issued a notice that Malayali brahmins alone are eligible for this post.
Two individuals, Sijeeth and Vijeesh moved the High Court of Kerala submitting a petition against this notification. They have asserted that they are fully qualified and eligible for the post, though they are not Malayali brahmins. They stressed that the notification of the Devaswom Board reveals caste based discrimination and violation of their fundamental rights. The High Court of Kerala strangely upheld the condition laid by the Devaswom Board stating an unconvincing reason. The petitioners subsequently moved the Supreme Court.
A bench of Supreme Court, comprising Justices, Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan conducted the hearing and a notice has been issued to the Devaswom Commissioner and the State of Kerala. Let the fundamental rights of the petitioners be ensured, devoid of any caste discriminations!
