Global Ayyappa Sangamam: Kerala High Court asks auditor of TDB to suggest safeguards against financial irregularities

The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)'s auditor to suggest measures that could help identify and rectify the financial inconsistencies in the board's accounts with respect to the 'Global Ayyappa Sangamam' event. [Suo Motu v State of Kerala & anr]

A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar examined the audit report placed before it by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner in relation to the Agola Ayyappa Sangamam or the Global Conclave of Ayyappa Devotees.

The Court took note of limitations encountered during auditing of the Sangamam accounts and the areas where verification could not be completed to the auditor’s satisfaction.

"After interacting with the auditor concerned, we find that he has been auditing the records of the TDB for the past one decade. We direct the auditor to state before this Court, by filing a statement as to the measures that can be taken to rectify the anomalies that he has encountered in the course of this audit, so that corrective measures can be taken," the Court ordered.

The event was announced as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the TDB, presenting Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage centre, to spread the universal message of 'Thathwamasi' and promote religious harmony and global unity.

However, several petitions were filed last year by devotees and religious organisations, questioning the involvement of the State and the TDB in organising the event.

The Court, however, refused to restrain the event but issued strict guidelines to ensure that the sanctity of the sacred Pamba river and the temple environment is preserved, while emphasising the need for financial transparency in the funds used to hold the event.

The Court had directed the independent auditor, M/s Vijayan and Associates, appointed by the TDB, to furnish all documents and financial records related to the event before it.

Today, the Court, while referring to the auditor's report, noted that several discrepancies were noticed in the financial accounts of the TDB due to which the auditor could not issue a qualified audit report.

It was observed that expenditure incurred for the event appeared to exceed the original estimated budget and that modifications were made to the approved budget without clear explanations.

Referring to the auditor's findings, the Court noted that the TDB had failed to produce sufficient supporting documents, including proper bills, vouchers etc., which were necessary to verify the expenditures incurred for the event.

The report also highlighted that certain budget variations were made without proper classification or justification, making it difficult to ascertain the actual financial position relating to the event.

"We find that the Joint Verification Report has been signed by the Assistant Engineer Sabarimala Development Project, Travancore Devaswom Board, Pamba, who is the nodal Officer for the TDB. Having gone through the entire records, we are of the view that as stated in the earlier order, the financial discipline of the TDB, there is a lot to be desired," the Court observed.

The matter has been now posted after 10 days for the auditor to submit a statement suggesting the corrective measures.

Advocate G Biju appeared for the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup K appeared for the State.

[Detailed Order Awaited]