The Kerala High Court has ordered a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement and supply of ghee for the Sabarimala temple during the 2025–2026 Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season. Taking suo motu cognizance of a Special Commissioner's report, the Division Bench found that the preliminary material disclosed serious concerns requiring an independent investigation.
Background of the Case
The proceedings arose from a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner regarding the alleged misappropriation of ghee supplied for preparing Aravana, the temple's prasadam. The report was prompted after media reports raised concerns over the supply of allegedly adulterated ghee during the festival season. A preliminary inquiry by the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer was later placed before the High Court.
According to the inquiry, the Travancore Devaswom Board had initially invited e-tenders for ghee procurement. The lowest bidder quoted ₹369 per litre, while Milma's quoted price was ₹510 per litre. Despite objections raised by the Devaswom Commissioner questioning both the higher price and the absence of any scientific study supporting the proposal, the Board ultimately decided to procure ghee from Milma after cancelling the tender process.
Court's Observations
After examining the preliminary inquiry report, the Bench observed that several aspects required deeper scrutiny. The report suggested discrepancies in procurement records, transportation details, quality verification and the actual quantity of ghee allegedly supplied to Sabarimala.
The Court also noted that the inquiry raised questions about whether the entire quantity claimed to have been supplied had actually reached the temple. It further recorded that payments might have been released even for quantities that may not have been delivered.
"The allegations disclosed therein are extremely grave and disclose serious irregularities in the procurement and supply of ghee," the Bench observed.
It added that the material collected during the preliminary inquiry indicated the possibility of coordinated actions resulting in financial loss to the Travancore Devaswom Board, making an independent investigation necessary.
Court's Decision
On August 3, 2026, the High Court directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to register a case based on the preliminary report and constitute a competent investigation team. The Bench also clarified that prior approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act would not be required in the present case and ordered that the investigating team would function under the supervision of the Court. A progress report was directed to be filed within one month.
When the matter was taken up again on August 5, 2026, the Court was informed that a VACB team had already been constituted. The Bench directed that IPS officer M.J. Sojan should head the investigation, assisted by designated Vigilance officers, and instructed the team to conduct the probe with "utmost diligence and vigour" covering every issue identified in the preliminary inquiry and the Court's earlier order.
The matter was posted for further consideration on August 17, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Others
Case Number: SSCR No. 24 of 2026
Judge: Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K. V. Jayakumar
Decision Dates: 5 August 2026
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