Kerala High Court verdict in Sabarimala priest case likely on February 27

A batch of petitions challenging the Travancore Devaswom Board's norm that reserves 'Melsanthi' post only for to Malayala Brahmin community are pending.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court is likely to give its verdict next week on petitions challenging the reservation of Sabarimala Ayyappa temple priest ('Melsanthi') post to Malayala Brahmin community.

Even as the case was posted for orders on Thursday, the court posted it to February 27.

A batch of petitions challenging the Travancore Devaswom Board's (TDB) norm that reserves Sabarimala  'Melsanthi' post only for to Malayala Brahmin community are pending before the Kerala High Court for orders.

TDB that manages the temple had opposed the pleas citing existing practices and traditions. The state government also backed the board's stand.

However, the 'Navodhana Samathi' (renaissance protection forum) initiated by the CPM government during the row over Sabarimala women entry in 2018, had  urged the government to back the petitions challenging the alleged discrimination.

Sabarimala 'Melsanthi' is selected every year through a meticulous selection process and draw of lots at the temple.