'How come some officials get permanent positions in Sabarimala?' High Court asks Devaswom Board

KOCHI: The High Court sought an explanation from the Travancore Devaswom Board regarding the long tenure allowed to senior officials O.G. Biju and S. Srinivas in various posts at Sabarimala. The Devaswom bench, comprising Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar, directed the board to clarify what special skills the officers had to enjoy a long tenure in the hilly temple abode. The board should also clarify whether their tenures have been extended without the court's permission.

O.G. Biju is currently the Sabarimala Executive Officer. He was appointed as Administrative Officer in 2023. He also continued as Vigilance Officer, Deputy Devaswom Commissioner (Inspection) and Deputy Devaswom Commissioner (Digitalisation).

Srinivas, who joined as Main Store Superintendent in 2022, is now an Administrative Officer. He also continued as Assistant Audit Officer and Asst. Executive Officer. The board should clarify the reason for their continued retention.

The Devaswom bench is considering a suo motu petition filed by the Special Commissioner regarding the irregularities in the ritual Ashtabhishekam. The petition had earlier directed the State Audit Director to examine the 10-year accounts of offerings at Sabarimala in detail. It was also ordered to appoint an independent auditor or an outside agency. The court also sought documents regarding the sponsorship of Sunil Kumar alias Sunilswami.

The Devaswom Board, which produced cash books, vouchers, etc., also submitted information about the long-serving officials as per the court's order. After the government and the board sought time in appointing an independent auditor, it was adjourned for consideration on the 22nd. The court directed that the method of auditing be clarified then.