Sabarimala Observer submits report on selection of Chief Priest

Kochi, Oct 15 (UNI) Retired Judge Justice K Padbhanabhan Nair, appointed by the Kerala High Court as observer for the selection of 'melsanthis' (Chief Priests) to Sabarimala and Malikappuram, today informed the court that a large number of candidates who had applied for the post were ignorant of 'agmas and vedas.' In his report filed before the court, the Judge pointed out that ''they will not be able to perform pujas and rites correctly.

The candidates were given maximum marks by some members of the selection committee partially'' Justice Nair suggested introduction of a simple written examination, to be conducted by a university of repute, on 'agamas, vedas, Sankrit and pujas'.

He also suggested that there should be proper guidelines for the selection of 'melsanthis.' Justice Nair told the court that he had received anonymous calls informing that two of the people shortlisted had never performed pujas and the experience certificates produced by many were bogus.

There were allegations that one of the applicants had criminal antecedence, he added.

However, the observer maintained that the allegations were not to his direct knowledge.

Considering the report, the court orally ordered to submit before it the Devaswom Vigilance Inquiry report on the allegations relating to the selection of Chief Priest.

The court was hearing a petition filed by senior priest Kadararu Maheshwaru seeking a direction to postpone the selection process in the wake of the allegations.

UNI XR MA SJ SB GC1847