Court Grants One-Month Extension for Submission of Audited Accounts Amidst Strong Condemnation of Continued Delays
In a significant order, the Kerala High Court has issued a stern warning to the Travancore Devaswom Board regarding persistent delays in submitting audited financial accounts related to the "Agola Ayyappa Sangamam 2025" event. The division bench, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar, granted the Board an additional one-month extension to comply with the court's directive after expressing strong disapproval of the ongoing delays.
The court had previously directed the Board to maintain detailed and transparent accounts of the event, subject to audit, with a deadline for submission to the Special Commissioner. Despite an earlier 45-day extension, the Board failed to meet the deadline, citing incomplete billing from the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC) as the primary reason for the delay.
In the latest application for an extension, the Board reported ongoing efforts to complete the audit, awaiting verification of newly submitted bills by the IIIC. The court acknowledged these efforts but made it clear that further non-compliance would result in serious consequences.
The High Court emphasized that no additional extensions would be granted, warning that failure to submit the required reports within the newly extended period would lead to appropriate legal actions against the Board. The decision underscores the judiciary's firm stance on ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
Bottom Line:
Extension of time for submission of audited accounts granted to Travancore Devaswom Board with stern warning against further delay.
Statutory provision(s): Administrative Law, Compliance with Court Orders
Travancore Devaswom Board v. Suo Motu, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2834559
