Kerala High Court Mandates In-Depth Probe into Sabarimala Staff Financial Activities
The Kerala High Court has issued a directive to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), ordering its chief vigilance and security officer to launch a thorough investigation into the origin and legality of funds involved in questionable financial transactions conducted by casual labourers and permanent duty staff at Sannidhanam during the recent Mandala-Makaravilakku season.
Court Order Based on Special Commissioner's Report
A bench comprising Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar delivered this order in response to a detailed report submitted by the Sabarimala special commissioner. This report highlighted alleged financial malpractices by casual labourers and duty staff at the sacred pilgrimage site. It included findings from a discreet inquiry carried out by the chief vigilance and security officer, examining deposits made for onward remittance by these individuals from November 17, 2025, onwards, utilizing post offices and banking institutions in the vicinity of Sannidhanam.
Substantial Sums and Suspicious Patterns Uncovered
The investigation report disclosed that a significant total of Rs 14.08 lakh was transferred solely through money orders from the local post office within a brief timeframe. Furthermore, it noted that these remittances involved relatively large amounts sent in quick succession, raising serious concerns about the source and legitimacy of the funds. In addition, the vigilance wing provided specifics on remittances exceeding Rs 25,000 made by five employees. For instance, one employee from Pathanamthitta remitted Rs 1.38 lakh via the post office, while another sent Rs 1.07 lakh. Similar remittance patterns were observed for three other individuals. Despite directives from the vigilance officer for these persons to appear before the competent authority for questioning, they failed to comply.
Comprehensive Investigation Scope and Timeline
After reviewing these details, the court mandated that the investigation must encompass transactional and remittance records from multiple financial entities, including the State Bank of India at Sannidhanam, Dhanlaxmi Bank at Sannidhanam, local post offices, and other financial institutions operating in the area. The officer is also instructed to compile a database of all employees—whether temporary, casual, or permanent—who were on duty at Sannidhanam during the relevant period to enable a full-scale scrutiny and determine the extent of any fraudulent activities or suspicious fund transfers. The court has set a deadline for the officer to submit a comprehensive report within three weeks and has adjourned the matter to March 11 for further proceedings.
