Financial discrepancies and poor record maintenance prompt court to demand transparency and accountability from Travancore Devaswom Board.
In a significant judgment, the Kerala High Court, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar, has directed a detailed audit of the operations of the Sabarimala Temple, following serious financial discrepancies and irregularities identified by the Kerala State Audit Department. The audit, covering the Mandala-Makaravilakku Festival season, revealed a financial shortfall of Rs. 25,52,000, alongside issues such as poor record maintenance, production inconsistencies, and logistical errors.
The court emphasized the necessity of transparency and accountability, urging the Travancore Devaswom Board to implement corrective measures. These include technological upgrades such as digital ghee measurement systems and the digitization of accounting practices, aiming to prevent misappropriation and enhance record-keeping.
The audit findings highlighted the absence of volumetric ghee measurements and the use of unruled notebooks for record-keeping, leading to inaccurate and unreliable accounts. The court has ordered the tagging of the audit findings with SSCR No. 3 of 2026 for comprehensive monitoring and remedial action.
The Travancore Devaswom Board, represented by their standing counsel, assured the court of ongoing efforts to rectify the identified issues and complete the digitization process. The court has scheduled a follow-up on April 1, 2026, to review the progress and ensure compliance with its directives.
Bottom Line:
Audit of Sabarimala Temple operations reveals financial discrepancies, poor record maintenance, production inconsistencies, and logistical errors. Court directs detailed audit and implementation of corrective measures for transparency and accountability.
Statutory provision(s): None explicitly mentioned in the judgment.
