Big change at Sabarimala: Kerala HC clears appointment of new Executive Officer

The Kerala High Court has approved the appointment of P S Santhakumar, currently serving as the Director of Cultural Affairs, as the Executive Officer of the Sabarimala temple for the 2026–2027 term. The appointment came after the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) sought the court's permission to replace the existing Executive Officer, O G Biju.

The decision follows earlier observations by the High Court questioning Biju's continued retention in various posts at Sabarimala and directing the TDB to ensure that only efficient and upright officers are appointed to key administrative positions in major temples under its management.

Court approves TDB's request

A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar considered the application filed by the Travancore Devaswom Board seeking approval for the transfer.

The court noted that the Board's Chief Security and Vigilance Officer conducted a detailed verification of Santhakumar's service record before recommending his appointment.

According to the court order: "During his previous tenure as the Administrative Officer of Sabarimala, no adverse findings were recorded against him."

The Bench also noted that the Audit Wing examined the audit reports from Santhakumar's earlier tenure and found no pending recovery or financial irregularities.

The court further recorded the Board's submission that there were no outstanding dues payable by Santhakumar.

Appointment effective from July 16

After reviewing the records, the High Court allowed the Travancore Devaswom Board's application and permitted P S Santhakumar to assume charge as the Executive Officer of Sabarimala with effect from July 16, 2026.

The appointment comes ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season, with the court reiterating the importance of ensuring transparent and efficient administration at one of India's most visited pilgrimage centres.