The Kerala High Court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board’s auditor to suggest measures to correct financial discrepancies found in the accounts of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam event.
The Court noted missing documents, unexplained budget changes, and concerns over financial discipline in the Board’s spending.
The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the auditor of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to suggest corrective steps to address financial irregularities found in the accounts related to the ‘Global Ayyappa Sangamam’ event. The order was passed in the suo motu proceedings titled Suo Motu v State of Kerala & Anr.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar examined the audit report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner regarding the Agola Ayyappa Sangamam, also known as the Global Conclave of Ayyappa Devotees.
ALSO READ: Kerala High Court Admits Plea Against Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Sabarimala’s Pamba
During the hearing, the Court considered the auditor’s findings and noted that there were several limitations faced during the auditing process. According to the report, certain records and documents required for verification were either incomplete or unavailable, which made it difficult to complete the audit satisfactorily.
After interacting with the auditor, the Bench issued directions asking him to provide recommendations on how the identified discrepancies could be corrected. The Court said,
“After interacting with the auditor concerned, we find that he has been auditing the records of the TDB for the past one decade. We direct the auditor to state before this Court, by filing a statement as to the measures that can be taken to rectify the anomalies that he has encountered in the course of this audit, so that corrective measures can be taken.”
The Global Ayyappa Sangamam was announced as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The purpose of the event was to present the Sabarimala Temple as a global pilgrimage centre and to spread the spiritual message of ‘Thathwamasi’. The event was also intended to promote religious harmony and global unity among devotees of Lord Ayyappa.
However, the announcement of the event led to several petitions being filed before the High Court by devotees and religious organisations. These petitions questioned the involvement of the State government and the Travancore Devaswom Board in organising such a large-scale religious event.
While hearing those petitions earlier, the Court declined to stop the event from taking place. At the same time, it issued strict guidelines to ensure that the sanctity of the Pamba River and the surrounding temple environment was protected during the event. The Court also emphasised the importance of maintaining financial transparency in the spending of funds related to the Sangamam.
As part of these proceedings, the Court had directed the independent auditor appointed by the Travancore Devaswom Board, M/s Vijayan and Associates, to submit all financial records and documents related to the event for judicial scrutiny.
During the latest hearing, the Bench examined the auditor’s report and noted that several discrepancies were found in the financial accounts related to the event. Because of these inconsistencies, the auditor was unable to issue a qualified audit report.
The report indicated that the total expenditure for the Global Ayyappa Sangamam appeared to be higher than the originally approved budget. It also mentioned that certain changes were made to the sanctioned budget without providing proper explanations.
The Court further noted that many of the necessary supporting documents were not produced before the auditor. Important financial records such as bills, vouchers and other verification documents were either incomplete or missing, which made it difficult to confirm the actual expenses incurred for the event.
The audit report also highlighted that some variations in the budget were made without proper classification or justification. Due to this lack of clarity, it became difficult to determine the accurate financial position relating to the organisation of the Sangamam.
While reviewing the records, the Court also referred to the Joint Verification Report submitted before it. The Bench observed that the report had been signed by the Assistant Engineer of the Sabarimala Development Project under the Travancore Devaswom Board, who was acting as the nodal officer for the Board at Pamba.
Expressing concern over the financial management practices of the Board, the Court remarked,
“We find that the Joint Verification Report has been signed by the Assistant Engineer Sabarimala Development Project, Travancore Devaswom Board, Pamba, who is the nodal Officer for the TDB. Having gone through the entire records, we are of the view that as stated in the earlier order, the financial discipline of the TDB, there is a lot to be desired.”
In view of these findings, the Court directed the auditor to file a detailed statement suggesting the steps that can be taken to correct the irregularities and strengthen financial accountability in the Board’s functioning.
The matter has now been posted for further hearing after ten days, during which the auditor is expected to submit his recommendations on corrective measures.
Advocate G Biju appeared on behalf of the Travancore Devaswom Board, while Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup K represented the State of Kerala before the Court.
Case Title:
Suo Motu v State of Kerala & anr
Click Here to Read More Reports on Ayyappa Sangamam
