Kerala HC shocked by Rs 28.44 lakh ‘extravagant’ expenditure for Devaswom commissioner

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has expressed shock over the Cochin Devaswom Board spending Rs 28.44 lakh to renovate the quarters of its commissioner, provide luxury amenities and purchase a new car. The court strongly disagreed with the board spending money by bypassing rules and directed it to remove the obstacles pointed out by the audit wing and complete the audit within three months. It also directed the board to file an affidavit, along with the audit report, within one month of completing the audit.

The directions were issued by the Devaswom Bench comprising Justice V. Rajas Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar while disposing of petitions filed by devotees K.B. Sumod, K. Narayanankutty, N.K. Mohandas and Ramachandran. The board had explained that the expenditure was incurred in accordance with the approval given by its governing body.

The court reminded the board that its objective is the development of temples and institutions and directed it to exercise caution while spending money. A preliminary investigation by the Vigilance Department had recommended a detailed audit.

Udayakumar had joined the Cochin Devaswom Board as commissioner on deputation for one year while serving as a joint secretary in the Secretariat. His deputation was extended by another year, but the new government later recalled him. He is currently an additional secretary. Another officer is expected to take charge as Devaswom commissioner on deputation soon.

Kerala Kaumudi reports brought expenditure to light

The expenditure incurred for the commissioner came to light through investigative reports published by Kerala Kaumudi.

The board has more than 30 quarters in Thrissur, but only around 10 are fit for habitation. A commissioner appointed for a one-year tenure normally takes a rented house for accommodation, raising questions over the need for such expenditure.

According to the audit-related details, Rs 9.57 lakh was spent on repairs to the ageing building, while Rs 4.24 lakh was spent on items including a washing machine, refrigerator, LED television, water purifier and air conditioners.

The board also spent Rs 14.63 lakh to replace the official vehicle with a new car. The State Audit Department's report stated that Rs 12.78 lakh was still payable to the contractor who carried out the renovation work.

The official vehicle was five years old and had covered 86,419 km when it was replaced, despite a government order stipulating that official vehicles should be used for up to 10 years or three lakh kilometres.

The court's directions came against the backdrop of the audit and Vigilance findings, with the bench stressing that the board must exercise greater care in spending funds meant for the administration and development of temples and its institutions.