Kerala High Court expresses dismay over Cochin Devaswom Board spending ₹28.44 lakh on official’s quarters, vehicle
The Kerala High Court has criticized the Cochin Devaswom Board for unauthorized spending on luxury items and vehicle purchases for a senior official. The court has ordered an audit to address these financial irregularities.
Why it matters
This case highlights issues of administrative accountability and the misuse of public or institutional funds within religious administrative bodies.
The Kerala High Court has expressed shock and dismay over the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) incurring expenses amounting to ₹28.44 lakh on the repair of residential quarters and purchase of a vehicle and household articles for Board Commissioner S.R. Udayakumar, in violation of rules and regulations.
A Division Bench of Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar noted the irregularities flagged by the Deputy Director, Kerala State Audit department, and ordered the department to conclude the audit of the Board for 2023-24 within three months. The Board was also asked to report within one month on the proceedings issued by it to finalise the audit objections.
The court disposed of the petition by recording its strong disapproval of the actions of the Board and its top officials in spending the Board’s money on the luxuries and comforts of its officers in violation of the law.
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