Court demands accountability and transparency from Devaswom Board over financial irregularities in Ayyappa Devotees' Global Conclave.
In a significant move, the Kerala High Court has lambasted the Travancore Devaswom Board for substantial lapses in financial management and accountability concerning the Global Conclave of Ayyappa Devotees, held on September 20, 2025. The Division Bench, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar, delivered the judgment on March 5, 2026, emphasizing the need for stringent financial discipline in managing temple funds and donations from devotees.
The court's scrutiny was triggered by a report from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, highlighting discrepancies in the audited accounts of the conclave. The audit, conducted by M/s. Vijayan and Associates, revealed alarming lapses such as the absence of competitive tendering for event management contracts and non-transparent billing practices in cost-plus contracts.
Despite directives to produce foundational records for the audit, including bills and expenditure statements, the auditors faced challenges in verifying actual costs due to consolidated billing and a lack of primary expenditure documents. The court noted that the Devaswom Board had engaged the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC) for event management without inviting competitive quotations, raising questions about procedural compliance.
The auditors reported the subcontracting of work to several entities without Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance and noted significant discrepancies between financial records and the joint measurement report. The court was particularly concerned about the mismatch in financial records, pointing to unsanctioned expenditures and a lack of verifiable documentation.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the court ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board to explain the inconsistencies, especially since the expenses exceeded the sponsorship funds purportedly meant to cover the event costs. The Board is required to justify the financial commitments undertaken beyond the sponsorship received.
The court also directed the auditors, who have been auditing the Board for over a decade, to submit a detailed statement of anomalies observed over the years. This statement is expected to include recommendations for procedural and financial safeguards to enhance accountability and financial management within the Board.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on April 1, 2026, as the court continues to seek explanations and corrective measures from the Travancore Devaswom Board to prevent future financial mismanagement.
Bottom Line:
Financial management and accountability in the functioning of the Travancore Devaswom Board were scrutinized, highlighting substantial lapses, anomalies, and lack of financial prudence in handling temple funds and sponsorships.
Statutory provision(s): Financial accountability, auditing standards, and contract management as applicable under general laws governing financial management and public institutions in India.
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2861917
