The Supreme Court will hear an appeal filed by the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board (KDRB) on March 10 regarding a State High Court decision. The High Court previously struck down provisions that allowed the KDRB to appoint candidates to positions within the Guruvayoor Devaswom and its aided educational institutions.
Appointment Dispute
A Bench led by Justice Vikram Nath has scheduled the final hearing. The KDRB, represented by senior advocate V. Giri, has assured the court it will not create any selections during this period. Thousands of candidates who took the exam are currently affected by this legal challenge, as noted by advocate Mukund P. Unny.
The KDRB maintains that its role is limited to recruitment and does not extend to the religious duties of the temples. The High Court had previously quashed a KDRB notification inviting applications for various posts and prohibited the board from conducting future selection proceedings.
Following the High Court’s direction, the managing committee of Guruvayur Devaswom has been instructed to restart the appointment process. A special committee, chaired by retired Kerala High Court Justice P.N. Ravindran, will oversee and control this modern process for a one-year term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KDRB appealing?
The KDRB is appealing a State High Court decision that struck down provisions empowering it to appoint candidates to various posts in the Guruvayoor Devaswom and aided educational institutions.
What did the High Court direct?
The High Court directed that appointment proceedings must be conducted according to the Guruvayoor Devaswom Act, 1978, and quashed a KDRB notification inviting applications for posts.
Who will oversee the new appointment process?
A special committee headed by retired Kerala High Court Justice P.N. Ravindran will supervise and control the appointment process for a one-year tenure.
As the case moves to the Supreme Court, what implications might the final ruling have for the future of recruitment practices within the Guruvayoor Devaswom and similar institutions in Kerala?
