Kochi | The Kerala High Court has approved the appointment of P S Santhakumar, presently working as the Director of Cultural Affairs, as the Executive Officer of Sabarimala for the term 2026-2027.

Santhakumar is replacing O G Biju whose continued retention in various posts in Sabarimala was earlier reportedly questioned by the High Court.

The court had also told the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) that while effecting transfers and postings, it shall ensure that only efficient and upright officers are posted as Administrative Officers/Executive Officers in the major temples under its management.

Subsequently, the Board filed an application seeking permission to transfer Biju and replace him with Santhakumar as the Executive Officer of Sabarimala.

A bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar noted that the Chief Security and Vigilance Officer (Superintendent of Police), Vigilance and Security Wing of the Board, had conducted an inquiry into the credentials of Santhakumar.

"It has been reported that during his previous tenure as the Administrative Officer of Sabarimala, no adverse findings were recorded against him. The Audit Wing has also verified the Sabarimala Audit Reports relating to the period during which Santhakumar served as the Administrative Officer and has reported that no amount is pending recovery from him. The Devaswom Board has also submitted that there are no outstanding dues payable by Santhakumar," the bench noted.

It allowed the TDB application and permitted Santhakumar to assume charge with effect from July 16.