Supreme Court stays Kerala HC decision annulling KDRB’s power of appointment to Guruvayur Devaswom

The Supreme Court of India stayed a Kerala High Court decision that had struck down provisions empowering the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board (KDRB) to appoint candidates for Guruvayur Devaswom and aided educational institutions. The court issued notice on an appeal filed by the KDRB, represented by senior advocate V. Giri and advocate Deepak Prakash, while fixing the next hearing for February 23, 2026. The KDRB argued its functions were limited to recruitment and did not interfere in religious duties, while the High Court directed adherence to the Guruvayoor Devaswom Act, 1978. The court also ordered a fresh appointment process under the supervision of a special committee led by retired Judge P.N. Ravindran.