The Kerala High Court has ordered an independent re-evaluation of alleged misappropriation of funds by TDB employees in the sale of sacred ghee at the Sabarimala shrine. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau's report, deeming it insufficient to determine if a corruption case is made out.
The High Court's intervention signals a demand for greater accountability in the management of temple offerings and funds, potentially leading to stricter oversight and prosecution if corruption is confirmed, thereby impacting the administration of religious institutions and public trust.
The Kerala High Court has mandated a fresh, independent assessment of the alleged financial irregularities concerning the sale of sacred ghee at the Lord Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala. The court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the findings of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), stating that the agency's report appeared to downplay the significant financial loss incurred by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
A bench comprising justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar emphasized the need for a thorough review by a senior officer possessing impeccable integrity, proven competence, and adequate experience. This officer is tasked with re-evaluating all collected materials to ascertain whether the facts constitute offenses punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The court directed the VACB to immediately transfer the entire case file, including all investigation records, to such a designated senior officer. This officer is expected to submit a comprehensive report within four weeks, detailing whether any of the accused individuals are liable under the specified anti-corruption laws. The court noted that the VACB's conclusion, which suggested closing the matter due to difficulties in determining individual employee responsibility and precise quantities of ghee, seemed incongruous with its own findings of entrustment, duty, and dereliction.
The investigation was prompted by a report from the TDB's Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, highlighting that the sale proceeds from 16,628 packets of ghee had not been remitted to the Devaswom account, leading to a loss exceeding Rs 17 lakh. The court indicated that the irregularities might extend beyond the specified period, suggesting a systemic issue rather than isolated administrative lapses.
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