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IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
ANIL K.NARENDRAN, MURALEE KRISHNA S., JJ
TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD – Appellant
Versus
DEPUTY DIRECTOR KERALA STATE AUDIT DEPARTMENT – Respondent
ORDER :
(Anil K. Narendran, J.)
This DBP is registered based on Report No.6 of 2025 of the learned Ombudsman in Petition No.11 of 2024 filed by the Travancore Devaswom Board and its Executive Engineer seeking approval of the estimate and award of the work of Ayarkadu Devaswom in Kottarakkra Group, for the construction of Chuttambalam. The report dated 03.01.2025 of the learned Ombudsman reads thus;
“2. This petition was filed by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the Executive Engineer seeking approval for the award of the contract in respect of the work relating Ayarkadu Devaswom in Kottarakkara Group for the construction of ’Chuttambalam’ at an estimate of Rs.47,63,000/-. It is mentioned in the petition that the Board has accorded administrative sanction to the estimate of the above work for Rs.47,63,000/- vide Board ROC No.702/24/M dated 01.02.2024 based on DSR 2018 including 18% GST. Copy of the administrative sanction was produced as Annexure A-I along with the petition. It is also mentioned in the petition that the Temple Advisory Committee has agreed to do the work at 25% below the sanctioned estimate rate. For this they have nominated Sri. Arun M.S as their nominee. The resolut
Building permits are essential for temple constructions under the Kerala Panchayat Building Rules, and all expenditures must be subjected to statutory audit.
The Travancore Devaswom Board must ensure proper maintenance of temples, and the Temple Advisory Committee is authorized to collect funds for renovations under strict compliance with statutory proced....
The Travancore Devaswom Board has a fiduciary duty to manage temple properties effectively, ensuring timely completion of construction projects and accountability in financial dealings.
The court emphasized the need for proper audit and accountability in managing temple renovation funds, mandating the formation of a Temple Advisory Committee as per statutory requirements.
The court reinforced that the Temple Advisory Committee must fulfill statutory duties regarding financial account audits while confirming the limit of writ jurisdiction to prevent unlawful directives....
The Commissioner must decide on renovation proposals in accordance with statutory provisions, ensuring no unauthorized demolition occurs.
The judgment establishes the principle that any construction within temple premises must prioritize aesthetic integrity and the sanctity of the site over functional requirements.
The court ruled that a compromise decree is binding on parties involved, and a temple advisory committee cannot re-agitate settled issues regarding ritual performance and fund collection without appr....
The main legal point established in the judgment is the legal impermissibility of unauthorized committees collecting funds in Hindu religious institutions, emphasizing the need for strict compliance ....
Only the Temple Advisory Committee can conduct religious rites and collect contributions in temples managed by the Cochin Devaswom Board, as per statutory provisions.
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