Caste bias row: Amid flak and human rights panel's intervention, Kerala temple reinstates staff

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has registered a case regarding allegations of caste discrimination at the Sree Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur. The commission has directed the Cochin Devaswom Commissioner and the Koodalmanikyam Executive Officer to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within two weeks.

Amid the controversy, the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom authorities stated on Monday that the member of the Ezhava community appointed by the Travancore Devaswom Recruitment Board as kazhakam staff will continue in his post.

Background of the dispute
The dispute arose after the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board appointed a member of the Ezhava community to the kazhakam (garland-making and allied services) post. The decision was opposed by the temple’s upper-caste tantris and the Warrier Samajam, who alleged that the appointment bypassed the traditional family representatives.