K. V. Jayakumar, J.

This DBP pertains to the revision of rates of aravana vazhipadu at Achankovil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha, Erumely, Pandalam Valiyakoikkal & Nilakkal under the Travancore Devaswom Board. This DBP has been registered based on Report No. 68 of 2025 submitted by the learned Ombudsman, pursuant to the filing of Petition No. 08 of 2025 by the Travancore Devaswom Board through its Secretary.

2. Sri. Santhosh Kumar, the learned Standing Counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board submitted that the hike of the price of the aravana prasadam in the aforesaid temples was revised in the year 2021. Thereafter, during the year 2022, the department had supplied aravana seaming machine to the said Devaswom expending huge amounts. It is also pointed out that there is substantial price hike in the raw materials required for making the aravana prasadam and it is imperative to increase the price of aravana prasadam from Rs.65/- to Rs.85/- for 250 gms.

3. Sri.Rajmohan, the learned Senior Government Pleader submitted that providing prasadam in a temple cannot be treated at par with business activity of making profits. A balance must be struck between the capacity of the devotees to pay for