The Hindu : Front Page : Observer moots new selection process

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 24, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

Observer moots new selection process

Says first rank holder in written test and interview should be Melsanthi

KOCHI: K. Padmanabhan Nair, High Court-appointed observer for the selection of Melsanthis for the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples, has recommended that the present practice of making the selection from a panel of nine names be done away with.

In a report submitted to a Bench comprising Justice P.R. Raman and Justice T.R. Ramachandran Nair, he said there were serious allegations of corruption in the selection.

It was alleged that huge sums had been paid to get applicants shortlisted. The observer recommended that a merit list could be prepared after a written test and interview. The one securing the first rank could be appointed Melsanthi.

The observer submitted the report when a case relating to the appointment of Melsanthis came up for hearing on Thursday. The Bench adjourned the case to October 30.

Selection panel

The court had earlier restrained the board from issuing appointment order to the candidates who were selected to the post of Melsanthis.

The observer said there was no need to include the Travancore Devaswom Board president and members on the selection committee. The former High Court judge was of the view that the interview should be conducted by a panel of experts. The experts would only be able to test the knowledge and ability of applicants to perform pujas. In fact, the board and the members had no role in the selection process.

He pointed out that there was no provisions in the guidelines for production of a certificate from a tantri to prove his ability in performing pujas. Candidates should be directed to produce certificate from tantris of the temples in which they were performing pujas for the last 10 years. The guidelines should specify the competent authority to issue certificates.

The other recommendation of the observer was that persons engaged in other professions should not be allowed to apply for the post of Melsanthis. It should be specified that the applicant must have ten years’ experience as priest.

Conviction of a candidate for an offence involving moral turpitude should be treated as disqualification. The board must conduct verification of conduct and antecedents of applicants.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page