KOCHI: SC Friday issued a notice challenging a Kerala HC decision that only Malayali Brahmins can apply for the post of melsanthi (head priest) at Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples. HC had upheld this clause in a Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) notification.
Court issued the notice to TDB, devaswom commissioner, and state of Kerala in response to a special leave petition.The petitioners argued that TDB notification amo-unted to caste-based discrimination and violated their fundamental rights. They asserted that they were qualified and eligible for the post of head priest at the two temples.
HC had dismissed their petition saying TDB notification did not constitute untouchability, and therefore, did not violate Article 17 of the Constitution.
Court issued the notice to TDB, devaswom commissioner, and state of Kerala in response to a special leave petition.The petitioners argued that TDB notification amo-unted to caste-based discrimination and violated their fundamental rights. They asserted that they were qualified and eligible for the post of head priest at the two temples.
HC had dismissed their petition saying TDB notification did not constitute untouchability, and therefore, did not violate Article 17 of the Constitution.
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