News Flash Daily
19 February 
HC Cites ‘Deep-Rooted Systemic Deficiencies’ in Procedure, Stock Accounting and Financial Control; Calls for Transparent Framework to Prevent Revenue Leakage
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has raised serious concerns over what it termed as “deep-rooted systemic deficiencies” in the functioning of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) regarding the management of sacred offerings at the Sabarimala Temple. The court observed that lapses in procedure, supervision, stock accounting, and financial control have compromised transparency and accountability.
The observations were made by a Division Bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar after examining a report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB). The SIT was tasked with probing alleged misappropriation of funds by certain TDB employees in connection with the sale of ‘Adiya Sishtam Ghee’, a sacred offering sold to devotees at the Lord Ayyappa shrine.
Court Calls for Comprehensive and Transparent Framework
In its remarks, the High Court underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms within the Board’s administrative and financial processes.
“The time has come for the Travancore Devaswom Board to put in place a comprehensive, transparent and accountable framework to ensure that the legitimate income of the Board is duly safeguarded and not allowed to be drained away through leakage, pilferage, or mismanagement,” the Bench observed.
The court mentioned that the revenue generated from sacred offerings constitutes a significant portion of the Board’s income and must be protected through robust oversight mechanisms.
Probe into ‘Adiya Sishtam Ghee’ Sales
The case stems from allegations of financial irregularities in the sale of ‘Adiya Sishtam Ghee’, a ritual offering distributed to devotees at Sabarimala Temple. The VACB’s Special Investigation Team conducted a detailed inquiry into claims that certain employees misappropriated funds linked to the sale and distribution of the offering.
After reviewing the SIT report, the High Court noted apparent gaps in monitoring systems, inventory management, and financial audits, suggesting that these deficiencies may have enabled revenue losses.
The Bench indicated that effective supervision and digital tracking mechanisms could prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that temple income is properly accounted for.
Need for Stronger Governance in Temple Administration
The observations are likely to have significant implications for the functioning of the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages several prominent temples in Kerala, including the Sabarimala Temple — one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in the country.
Legal experts note that the High Court’s remarks could prompt structural reforms in temple administration practices, particularly concerning revenue management and accountability systems.
Further proceedings in the matter are expected as the court continues to monitor compliance and implementation of corrective measures suggested during the hearing.
