The Kerala High Court on Thursday voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for its failure to submit the audited financial accounts for the Global Ayyappa Sangamam 2025 event within the court-mandated timeframe. The event was held on the banks of the Pamba River on September 20, 2025.
Court Grants Final Extension with a Stern Warning
A bench comprising Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar was hearing an application filed by the TDB, which sought an additional month to file the audited statements. The court had initially directed the state government and the TDB to furnish the accounts within 45 days of the event. Later, it granted a first extension of another 45 days for compliance.
Despite this prior leniency, the board returned to court requesting more time. The TDB's counsel explained that its Chartered Accountant had returned the files, citing incomplete bills from the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC), the agency involved in the program. The board stated that the IIIC submitted another set of bills and vouchers only on December 23.
"Final" Chance Given, Action Threatened for Non-Compliance
After considering these submissions, the bench decided to grant a final extension of one month. However, the court issued a clear caution. It stated that if the TDB fails to file the audited accounts within this new deadline, appropriate action would be initiated for violation of judicial directions.
This directive places the onus squarely on the Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure all financial documentation related to the large-scale religious gathering is thoroughly audited and presented to the Sabarimala special commissioner without further delay. The court's displeasure underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of funds for such significant public events.
