O R D E R

Haripal, J.

This Suo Motu proceedings was initiated on the basis of TDB Report No.22/2020 dated 05/03/2020 in Petition No.18/2019 filed by the learned Ombudsman for the Travancore and Cochin Devaswom Boards. The subject matter of the Report is a building proposed to be constructed near the old kacherry building for the Thanthri and guests in Thrikkodithanam Temple in Thrikkodithanam Devaswom in Changanacherry Group. According to the learned Ombudsman, it is a prominent Devaswom and is one of the ancient temples connected with the legend of Mahabharata; Deepam and Ashtami Rohini are the main festivals in the temple. On the request of the Temple Advisory Committee for constructing an accommodation for the Thanthri and guests, the then President of the Board directed the Engineering Wing to prepare an estimate. Thus, an estimate was prepared based on SOR

2012 for an amount of Rs.9,62,000/-. The Board gave administrative sanction for the amount and tenders were invited; lowest tender was submitted by one Mr.M.V.Prabha at 43% excess of the estimate. After negotiations, the estimate was reduced to 40% above the estimation. Even though maramath works upto Rs.20 lakhs do not requi