Court Finds Prima Facie Evidence of Financial Irregularities Involving Devaswom Board Staff
In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has denied anticipatory bail to Jithusooraj S.K., accused in a high-profile case involving the misappropriation of funds from the sale of ghee packets at Sabarimala. The case, registered under Crime No. VC 02/2026 by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Pathanamthitta, implicates the petitioner, along with others, in financial discrepancies during the Mandala-Makaravilakku Season of 2025-26.
The petitioner, Jithusooraj, represented by Advocate Sri. Sibi Thomas Jacob, was working as a Part-Time Santhi and was deputed to manage the sale of 'Aadiya Shishttam Neyyu' at the Maramath-ll counter during the festival season. The investigation revealed a significant shortfall in the sale proceeds remitted to the Travancore Devaswom Board, amounting to a misappropriation of Rs. 13,67,900.
Presiding Judge A. Badharudeen highlighted the necessity for custodial interrogation to recover the misappropriated funds and ascertain the complete extent of the financial irregularities. Despite arguments from the petitioner’s counsel citing the operational rush and lack of specific allegations, the court found prima facie evidence of the petitioner’s involvement.
The court emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, referencing previous judgments that negated the requirement for prior approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The court directed the petitioner to surrender before the investigating officer, failing which legal proceedings would ensue.
The case has drawn attention due to its implications on the management of religious institutions and the stringent measures required to safeguard public funds. The Kerala High Court’s decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to curbing corruption and ensuring accountability within public institutions.
Bottom Line:
Anticipatory Bail - Bail application of petitioner accused of misappropriation of funds through sale of 'Aadiya Shishttam Neyyu' (ghee) packets at Sabarimala counters during Mandala-Makaravilakku Season 2025-26 dismissed due to prima facie evidence of involvement in financial irregularities.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 316(5), 314, 61(2), 3(5), 344; Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 Sections 13(1)(a) r/w 13(2).
Jithusooraj S.K. v. State of Kerala, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc id # 2859177
