Kerala HC orders vigilance probe into Sabarimala ghee misappropriation

Kerala HC orders probe into misappropriation of ghee at Sabarimala temple.

Photo by Ramesh Marri

The Kerala High Court has called for a comprehensive vigilance probe to ascertain the extent of alleged misappropriation of funds by Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) employees at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam concerning the sale of ‘Adiya Sishtam Ghee.’ The court impleaded the Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau as an additional respondent in the suo motu case. It was reported that over 16,000 packets of ghee valued at ₹16 lakh, handed over to distribution counters at the hill temple, were missing. The court observed that the magnitude of short remittance within a limited window of time was alarming and cannot be brushed aside as an accounting lapse. The court noted a clear case of criminal misappropriation, falsification of accounts/records, and other cognizable offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Key Facts

Missing ghee packets: 16,000

Value of missing ghee: ₹16 lakh

Case under: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Case under: Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude - Probity in Governance

Potential question types: Statement-based questions on the role of Devaswom Boards, ethical dilemmas in temple administration, and the impact of corruption on religious institutions.

Visual Insights

Location of Sabarimala Temple

Map showing the location of Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, where the alleged misappropriation of ghee occurred.

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📍Kerala

More Information

Background

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), responsible for managing the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, has a long and complex history intertwined with the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century when the administration of major temples in the region was consolidated under royal patronage. Post-independence, the TDB was formally established through legislation to ensure the continued management of these temples, including Sabarimala, while preserving their traditions and customs.

The board's structure and functions have evolved over time, reflecting changing socio-political landscapes and legal interpretations of religious autonomy. The TDB's financial management practices have been subject to scrutiny, particularly concerning the vast revenues generated by Sabarimala, leading to periodic calls for greater transparency and accountability.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on improving the transparency and accountability of temple administration across India, including the TDB. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted temple revenues, leading to financial challenges and increased scrutiny of resource management. There have been ongoing debates regarding the role of government in temple affairs, with some advocating for greater autonomy for religious institutions and others emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight to prevent mismanagement and corruption.

The implementation of e-governance initiatives and digital record-keeping is gradually being adopted to enhance transparency and efficiency in temple administration. Future trends are likely to focus on strengthening internal audit mechanisms and promoting community participation in temple governance.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB): 1. The TDB was established post-independence to manage major temples in the former princely state of Travancore. 2. The TDB is solely responsible for the administration of Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple. 3. The TDB's financial management is exempt from government audit due to its religious nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The TDB was indeed established post-independence to manage temples, including Sabarimala. However, statement 3 is incorrect as the TDB's financial management is subject to audit, although the extent and nature of the audit can be debated.

2. In the context of the recent Kerala High Court order regarding the Sabarimala ghee misappropriation, which of the following offenses are potentially applicable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988? 1. Criminal Misappropriation 2. Falsification of Accounts 3. Bribery Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three offenses – Criminal Misappropriation, Falsification of Accounts, and Bribery – are potentially applicable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, depending on the specific details and evidence presented in the case.

3. Assertion (A): The Kerala High Court ordered a vigilance probe into the alleged misappropriation of ghee at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. Reason (R): The court observed alarming short remittance and suspected criminal misappropriation and falsification of accounts. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true, but R is false
D.A is false, but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the High Court ordered the vigilance probe. The court's observation of short remittance and suspicion of criminal activities led to the order.