The Kerala government has ordered a Vigilance inquiry into alleged illegal permanent appointments made in temples under the Malabar Devaswom Board over the past 10 years, following a complaint by Youth Congress Kannur district president Vijil Mohanan.

The complaint, submitted to Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan, alleged large-scale recruitment without following prescribed procedures, including appointments made without inviting applications or issuing newspaper advertisements in prominent A grade, Super Grade, Grade 1 and Grade 2 temples under the board.

The Vigilance inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances in which such appointments were made, the procedures followed by the authorities concerned, and whether the appointments were subsequently regularised or approved through administrative influence.

According to Mr. Mohanan, the alleged illegal appointments were made in violation of existing High Court judgments and the circular issued by the Malabar Devaswom Board Commissioner on October 15, 2010.

He alleged that the norms for recruitment were bypassed, and that individuals were appointed directly to permanent posts without giving eligible candidates an opportunity to apply.

The complaint highlighted alleged irregularities in appointments at prominent temples including the Sree Rajarajeshwara Temple at Taliparamba.

“When appointments are made without applications being invited and without a public advertisement, deserving candidates are denied even the chance to compete. Recruitment to public institutions and temple establishments under the Devaswom Board must be transparent and based on merit,” he said.

Published - August 12, 2026 08:02 pm IST