Caste discrimination at Kerala temple: OBC staff reassigned, human rights body orders probe

Caste discrimination at Kerala temple: OBC staff reassigned, human rights body orders probe

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of an alleged caste discrimination at Kerala's renowned Koodalmanikyam Temple.

Commission member V Geetha has directed the Cochin Devaswom Commissioner and the Koodalmanikyam temple Executive Officer to conduct an investigation and submit a report within two weeks.

The case was taken up after an incident was reported where an individual, Balu, from the Ezhava community, a backward class in Kerala, who had secured the "Kazhakam" position after passing the Devaswom Recruitment Board's examination, was removed from his position following protests by the tantris (chief priests).

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

Notably, Kazhakam means a designated group within the temple hierarchy responsible for tasks such as making garlands and carrying out other ceremonial and decorative duties.

Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board Chairman CK Gopi stated that action would be taken if caste discrimination is established. He added that Balu, who was on leave, would be asked for a written explanation regarding any difficulties faced in his role.

Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan also condemned the incident of caste discrimination and stressed that Hindu unity would be meaningless without addressing caste-based inequalities. “At a time when there are calls for Hindu unity, it is important to eliminate caste discrimination and sideline those who try to uphold the caste system. Otherwise, Hindu unity holds no relevance,” The Hindu quoted him as saying.

The Koodalmanikyam temple had earlier faced brickbats in 2022 for denying permission to a dancer, citing temple tradition. Mansiya V P, a Bharatanatyam dancer and a PhD research scholar in classical dance, claimed that the temple authorities denied her permission to perform despite her name being printed in the program notice. The temple authorities claimed that she was denied permission as the temple tradition does not allow a non-Hindu to enter the premises.