KOCHI: The High Court ordered the Devaswom Commissioner to explain under what circumstances the funds of the Malabar Devaswom Board temples were invested in cooperative societies. Investments were also found in co-operative societies where non-traditional trustees of temples are directors. A division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Sophy Thomas ordered the Commissioner to give an explanation in this regard.

The order is in a plea filed by OK Kochukunji and TV Ramesan, natives of Mananthawadi, against the Devaswom Fund of the Wayanad Valliyoorkav Devi Temple under the Malabar Devaswom Board being invested in cooperative societies and cooperative banks. The HC said that it should be known whether the local fund audit department is effectively auditing the accounts of this temple and whether the deficiencies pointed out by them are being rectified by the temple authorities. The government and the Malabar Devaswomboard were also asked to give an explanation in this regard. The state government, cooperative department, registrar of cooperative societies, director of audit department etc. were also made parties voluntarily for detailed argument. The plea will be heard again on October 16.