The Kerala High Court has directed the Kerala State Audit Department to conduct a detailed audit into the preparation, distribution, sale, and remittance of Abhisheka Neyy Prasadam at Sabarimala after an interim audit report pointed to serious irregularities and a financial shortfall exceeding ₹25 lakh.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar issued the direction while considering a Special Interim Report submitted by the Audit Department regarding transactions during the 1201 M.E. Mandala–Makaravilakku festival season.
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Background of the Case
The report was submitted by the Joint Director of the Kerala State Audit Department, which is tasked with conducting concurrent audits of Sabarimala temple operations. This responsibility stems from a High Court order issued in 1996 directing auditors to examine accounts relating to supply contracts, receipts, stock, and festival-related transactions at the temple.
The latest verification focused primarily on the handling of Abhisheka Neyy Prasadam, a ghee-based offering sold to devotees during the Mandala–Makaravilakku festival season. The audit also reviewed the functioning of the Temple Special Officer’s office and the management of other prasadam items such as Manjal Kumkumam, Vibhoothi, and Panchamrutham.
According to the audit report, the most significant issue was a financial shortfall of ₹25,52,000.
While the Temple Special Officer’s records showed remittances of ₹3,17,37,200, the audit found that the amount actually due based on the number of ghee pouches distributed was ₹3,42,89,200.
The audit team also highlighted several other concerns:
- Absence of volumetric measurement: No system exists to measure the quantity of ghee during collection, filtration, or post-filtration stages.
- Poor record keeping: Distribution of ghee pouches was recorded casually in four unruled notebooks with frequent corrections and missing entries.
- Production inconsistencies: The number of pouches produced per kilogram of plastic roll varied drastically on different days.
- Logistical discrepancies: In one instance, records showed 7,000 pouches received on a day when official documentation listed only 5,200.
The Bench noted that such practices raise serious concerns about transparency and accuracy in financial accounting.
After examining the report and materials on record, the Bench acknowledged the gravity of the irregularities pointed out by the audit authorities.
The Court also took note of the audit department’s complaint that several queries issued to Devaswom authorities during the verification process had gone unanswered.
“The Devaswom is duty-bound to maintain true and correct accounts, and if it is so maintained, they should have no difficulty in furnishing all details to the audit department when queries are raised,” the Bench observed.
The judges also noted that allegations of misappropriation of ghee proceeds had earlier been reported by the Devaswom Vigilance wing and were already under consideration in connected proceedings.
The audit department suggested several measures to improve transparency and prevent future discrepancies.
These included:
- Conducting a comprehensive audit covering all stages from preparation to sales.
- Installing digital flow meters to measure the quantity of ghee accurately.
- Introducing automatic numbering and labeling of ghee pouches with packing and expiry details.
- Completing digitisation of accounting systems at Sabarimala before the next festival season.
- Carrying out regular inspections and physical verification by vigilance officials.
- Expanding the audit to include temple transactions between February 2025 and October 2025.
The report also recommended deploying more staff at sales counters handling large cash transactions.
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Taking note of the issues raised in the audit report, the Kerala High Court directed the Audit Department to conduct the additional audit requested and submit a detailed report before the Court.
The Bench stated that such a report would help the Court closely examine the irregularities and ensure that corrective measures are taken promptly.
The matter has been posted for further consideration on April 1, 2026, and will be heard along with related proceedings.
Case Title: The Joint Director, Kerala State Audit Department v. The Secretary, Travancore Devaswom Board
Case No.: DBAR No. 1 of 2026
Decision Date: 13 March 2026
