Comprehensive Guidelines Issued for Enhanced Transparency and Accountability in Religious Institutions
In a landmark decision dated January 29, 2026, the Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to implement stringent guidelines aimed at improving vigilance and accountability across religious institutions under its purview. This decision arises from a suo motu case concerning lapses and malpractices in religious institutions, particularly focusing on the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and other temples managed by the TDB.
The Division Bench, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar, emphasized the need for effective and timely reporting of misconduct and malpractices. The Court has mandated that periodical status reports be submitted quarterly by the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer to the TDB President and the Special Commissioner of Sabarimala. This move is designed to ensure continuous transparency, accountability, and operational efficacy within these religious institutions.
The new directives include the submission of comprehensive status reports immediately after each quarter, with specific deadlines set for April 7, July 7, October 7, and January 7 of each year. The reports will focus on significant lapses and malpractices observed during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season and other critical periods.
Furthermore, the Court has empowered the Special Commissioner with the authority to oversee compliance and report significant matters outside the periodic reporting schedule. The vigilance wing of the TDB is also directed to maintain a keen focus on surveillance activities during high-traffic periods at the Sabarimala Temple and other major temples under its control.
The TDB is required to review these reports within one month of receipt and take necessary corrective actions, with action-taken reports to be submitted to the Special Commissioner promptly. These reports, along with the Special Commissioner's observations, will subsequently be presented to the Devaswom Bench for further evaluation and orders.
This judgment underscores the Court's commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in religious institutions, thereby aiming to curb corruption and mismanagement within the TDB-managed temples.
Bottom Line:
Issuance of comprehensive guidelines for effective and prompt reporting of lapses, misconduct, and malpractices in religious institutions under the control of the Travancore Devaswom Board, ensuring transparency and operational efficacy.
Statutory provision(s):
- Vigilance and Accountability
- Mandalam-Makaravilakku Season
- Periodical Vigilance Reports
- Jurisdiction and Authority
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2845400
