Ajeesh Kumar R v. State of Kerala and Travancore Devaswom Board and Others

## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G. GIRISH ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 28[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024/9TH PHALGUNA, 1945 ``` ## **`WP(C) NO.37213 OF 2023`** ## **`PETITIONER:`** ``` AJEESH KUMAR R AGED 43 YEARS, S/O. RAVEENDRAN PILLAI VADAKKINARIKATHU THEKKATHIL KUREEPUZHA, KOLLAM, PIN – 691 601 ``` ``` BY ADVS. R.KRISHNA RAJ E.S.SONI ``` ``` RESPONDENTS: ``` - **`1 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE (DEVASWOM) KERALA GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN – 695 001`** - **`2 TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD DEVASWOM HEADQUARTERS, NANTHANCODE, KAWDIAR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, PIN – 695 003`** - **`3 DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD, DEVASWOM HEADQUARTERS, NANTHANCODE, KAWDIAR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN – 695 003`** - **`4 SUB GROUP OFFICER TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD SAKTHIKULANGARA, KOLLAM -, PIN – 691 581`** - **`5 THE TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, KOLLAM REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT KUNJU KRISHNA PILLAI, PIN – 691 601`** 2 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 - **`*ADDL R6 KUNJU KRISHNA PILLAI`** ``` PRESIDENT, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, OTTAVILAYIL HOUSE, KUREEPUZHACHERY KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM -691 003. ``` - **`*ADDL R7 THULASEEDHARAN PILLAI`** ``` VICE PRESIDENT, THE TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, KUREEPUZHA, NIRANJANAM, KUREEPUZHA, KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM-691 003. ``` - **`*ADDL R8 GIREESHKUMAR`** ``` SECRETARY, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, KUREEPUZHA, THACHEZHATHU KIZHAKKATHIL HOUSE, KANNIMELCHERY, KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM-691 003. ``` - **`*ADDL R9 THULASEEDHARAN`** ``` MEMBER, SECRETARY, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, MANGALATHY HOUSE, KUREEPUZHACHERY, KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM-691 003. ``` ## **`*ADDL R10 RAJEEVAN`** ``` MEMBER, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, SANKAREE BHAVAN KUREEPUZHA, KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM -691 003. ``` - **`*ADDL R11 SIVAKUMAR`** ``` MEMBER, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, MULACKAL HOUSE, KANNIMELCHERY KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM-691 003 ``` ## **`*ADDL R12 ANIKUTTAN`** ``` MEMBER, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, AATTOOR PADINJATTATHIL HOUSE KANNIMEL, KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM-691003 ``` ## **`*ADDL R13 RAJAGOPAL`** ``` MEMBER, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, THYKOOTTATHIL HOUSE KANNIMEL, KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM -691 003 ``` 3 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 ``` *ADDL R14GOPINADHAN ``` ``` MEMBER, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, KALARI AYYATH HOUSE, KUREEPUZHA KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM -691 003 ``` ``` *ADDL R15RAJESH ``` ``` MEMBER, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, VILAYIL HOUSE, KUREEPUZHA KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM -691 003 ``` ``` *ADDL R16SANTHOSHKUMAR ``` ``` MEMBER, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, KANNADOOR HOUSE, KANNIMEL KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM- 691 003. ``` ``` *ADDL 17SAJEEV ``` ``` MEMBER, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, ARAVIND MEDICALS, KANNIMEL KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM-691 003 ``` ``` *ADDL R18DEEPU ``` ``` MEMBER, TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE VALLIKEEZHU SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE KUREEPUZHA, KANNANKKOTU HOUSE KANNIMEL, KAVANAD P.O., KOLLAM -691 003. ``` ``` *(ADDL R6 TO ADDL R18 ARE IMPLEADED AS PER ORDER DATED 17-11-2023 IN IA 1/2023 IN WP(C) 37213/2023) ``` ## **`*ADDL R19 THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR,`** ``` KERALA STATE AUDIT DEPARTMENT, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD AUDIT, NANTHANCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 003 . ``` ``` (ADDL R19 IS SUO MOTU IMPLEADED AS PER ORDER DATED 28-11-2023) ``` ``` BY ADVS. SANTHOSH KUMAR G AJI V DEV ALAN PRIYADARSHI DEV(K/000617/2017) S.SAJEEVAN(K/835/1998) JOSEPH P.S.(K/002430/2022) SRI. S. RAJ MOHAN - SR. GP SRI. G. BIJU, SC TDB ``` 4 ## W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 ## **`M. JAYAKRISHNAN VAZHOOR`** ``` THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 28.02.2024, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` 5 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 ## **JUDGMENT** ## **Anil K. Narendran, J.** The petitioner, who is a devotee of Vallikeezhu Sree Bhagavathy Temple, which is a Temple under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board, has filed this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking a writ of certiorari to quash Ext.P3 proceedings dated 15.09.2023 of the 2[nd] respondent Travancore Devaswom Board granting permission for constructing a ‘Thanthrimadom’ at Vallikeezhu Devaswom. The petitioner has also sought for a writ of mandamus commanding 2[nd] respondent Board to constitute a new Temple Advisory Committee in Vallikeezhu Bhagavathi Temple and to restrain the present Temple Advisory Committee from functioning in that temple. 2. The petitioner has filed I.A.No.1 of 2023 to implead additional respondents 6 to 18 in the writ petition and I.A.No.2 of 2023 seeking an order to amend the writ petition, producing therewith Exts.P13 to P14(c) documents. By the order dated 17.11.2023, both applications were allowed. 3. On 17.11.2023, the learned Senior Government Pleader took notice on admission for the 1[st] respondent, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for 6 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 respondents 2 to 4. Urgent notice on admission by special messenger was ordered to the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee and to additional respondents 6 to 18, who are the members of that Temple Advisory Committee. 4. On 21.11.2023, when this matter came up for consideration, this Court passed the following order. “Having considered the pleadings and materials on record and also the submissions made at the Bar, we deem it appropriate to direct the 4[th] respondent Sub Group Officer to be personally present in Court along with the minutes book and other records relating to the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee and also the records relating to the construction undertaken by way of sponsorship by the members of the Temple Advisory Committee. 2. Adv. Aji V.Dev, the learned counsel for the respondents 5 to 9, 11 and 13 to 18 would submit that the Temple Advisory Committee is yet to open a Bank account. 3. The 8[th] respondent, who is the Secretary of the Temple Advisory Committee shall also be personally present in Court along with the relevant records of the Temple Advisory Committee relating to the expenditure in the construction in question. 4. On a query made by this Court, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board would submit that the Temple Advisory Committee is not permitted to collect any money from the devotees 7 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 in connection with the construction of the building in question. 5. The 4[th] respondent Sub Group Officer shall exhibit an advisory to that effect in the temple premises today itself.” 5. In terms of the directions contained in the order dated 21.11.2023, the 4[th] respondent Sub Group Officer and also the Secretary of the Temple Advisory Committee were personally present in the Court. After taking note of the provisions under Rules (Bye-laws) for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in temples under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board, this Court passed the order dated ## 23.11.2023. The said order reads thus: “In terms of the directions contained in the order dated 21.11.2023, the 4[th] respondent Sub Group Officer and also the 8[th] respondent, who is the Secretary of the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee are personally present in Court along with the relevant records. We have perused the file made available for the perusal of this Court relating to the construction of the building in question and also another file relating to the formation of the Temple Advisory Committee. The 4[th] respondent Sub Group Officer has also made available for the perusal of this Court the minutes book of the Temple Advisory Committee. The 8[th] respondent, who is the Secretary of the Temple Advisory Committee, has made available for the perusal of this Court an account book regarding the amounts contributed by the members of 8 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 the Temple Advisory Committee from 10.07.2023 onwards for the construction, which is undertaken based on the approval granted in Ext.P3 Board order dated 15.09.2023. 2. The facts and circumstances borne out from the files, minutes book and the account book made available for the perusal of this Court would make it explicitly clear that the activities in connection with the construction of building in question is being undertaken by the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee openly flouting the provisions under the Rules (Bye-laws) for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in temples under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board, made under sub-section (3) of Section 31A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950, which has been approved by this Court in DBA No.153 of 2009. 3. The learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board seeks time to place on record the files maintained by the Maramath Wing of the Board relating to the construction in question. 4. The 4[th] respondent Sub Group Officer and the 8[th] respondent Secretary shall file individual affidavits explaining the facts and circumstances with specific reference to the files, minutes book and account book referred to hereinbefore, which shall also be placed on record before the next posting date. 5. List this matter for further consideration on 28.11.2023. Till such time the construction of the building in question shall not be proceeded further. The personal presence of the 4[th] respondent Sub Group 9 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 Officer and the 8[th] respondent Secretary is dispensed with, for the time being.” 6. Along with I.A No.3 of 2023 filed by respondents 5 and 6, Exts.R8(a) and R8(b) were placed on record. The said application was supported by an affidavit sworn to by the Secretary of the Temple Advisory Committee. The order dated 23.11.2023 was followed by another order dated 28.11.2023, which read thus: “On 23.11.2023, when this writ petition came up for consideration, this Court passed an interim order to the effect that the construction of the building in question shall not be proceeded further, till the next posting date. 2. Along with I.A No.3 of 2023 filed by respondents 5 and 6, Exts.R8(a) and R8(b) are placed on record as additional documents. The said application is supported by an affidavit sworn to by the Secretary of the Temple Advisory Committee, who was personally present in Court on 23.11.2023. 3. The learned counsel for respondents 5 and 6 to serve a physical copy of the interlocutory application to the learned counsel for the writ petitioner today itself. 4. The learned Standing Counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board would submit that an affidavit sworn to by the 4[th] respondent-Sub Group Officer is also being filed today. Registry to incorporate the same, if it is in order. 5. The Deputy Director, Kerala State Audit Department, Travancore Devaswom Board Audit, Nanthancode, 10 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 Thiruvananthapuram – 695 003 is _suo motu_ impleaded as the additional 19[th ] respondent. Registry to carry out necessary corrections in the cause title. 6. The learned Senior Government Pleader enters appearance for the additional 19[th] respondent. The learned Senior Government Pleader to get instructions. List this matter for further consideration on 04.12.2023. The interim order granted on 23.11.2023 shall continue till then.” 7. A counter affidavit has been filed by the 4[th] respondent Sub Group Officer, producing therewith Exts.R4(a) to R4(b) documents. 8. The 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee has filed a counter affidavit dated 11.12.2023, opposing the relief sought for in this writ petition, producing therewith Exts.R5(a) to R5(d) documents. 9. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Senior Government Pleader for the 1[st] respondent, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for respondents 2 to 4, the learned counsel for 5[th] respondent and additional respondents 6 to 11 and 13 to 18 and the learned counsel for the 12[th] respondent. 10. The first relief sought for in this writ petition is regarding the construction of a ‘Thanthrimadom’ vide Ext.P3 11 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 proceedings dated 15.09.2023 of the 2[nd] respondent Travancore Devaswom Board. 11. The stand taken in the counter affidavit filed by the 4[th] respondent Sub Group Officer is that the construction in question is not a ‘Thantrimadom’, it is only a ‘Santhimadom’ and storeroom. The place for construction was located as per the specific instruction from the Sthapathy and the Thantri of the temple had also given Ext.R4(a) letter dated 27.10.2023 to the Assistant Commissioner, Kollam stating the necessity of the said construction. Because of the objection as to the place of construction, the Sthapathy was again called to verify that aspect and the petitioner was informed directly as well as through telephone to be present. However, he did not attend. The Sthapathy in Ext.R4(b) letter opined that the earlier place selected is the suitable place for the construction. 12. The photographs of the ‘Santhimadom’ and storeroom constructed in Vallikeezhu Sree Bhagavathy Temple are placed on record as Exts.R5(a) to R5(c). The sketch and plan of the disputed construction is placed on record as Ext.R5(d). The construction of the building has already been completed. Having considered the materials on record and the submissions made at the Bar, we find no reason to interfere with the decision taken in 12 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 Ext.P3 proceedings of the 2[nd] respondent Board order to make such a construction in the temple premises. Therefore, the challenge made in this writ petition against Ext.P3 proceedings of the 2[nd] respondent Board fails. 13. Now the issue that requires consideration in this writ petition is regarding the activities of the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee of Vallikeezhu Sree Bhagavathy Temple, consisting of additional respondents 6 to 18 as its office bearers/members. 14. Section 31A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act deals with the formation of Temple Advisory Committees. As per sub-section (1) of Section 31A, a Committee for each temple, in the name “Temple Advisory Committee” (name of the temple), may be constituted in order to ensure the participation of Hindu devotees. As per sub-section (2) of Section 31A, the Temple Advisory Committee constituted under subsection (1) may be approved by the Board. As per sub-section (3) of Section 31A, the composition of an Advisory Committee under sub-section (1) shall be in such manner as may be prescribed by rules made by the Board, not inconsistent with any practice, prevailing, if any. 15. In the exercise of the powers under sub-section (3) of 13 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 Section 31A of the Act, the Travancore Devaswom Board framed Rules (bye-laws) for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in the temples under its management, which has been approved by this Court, by the order dated 03.11.2011 in DBA No.153 of 2009. 16. Clause (2) of the Rules, which deals with the objectives of the Temple Advisory Committees, reads thus; “2. ഉ്ദേശ്യ ലഷ്യ്ങൾ ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ᩈിന േയ ും **,** വിശ്വാസികളുടെയ ും പ ്ദ ാഗരി്ക ്ദവ് ത്പവർ്ᩈി്ക ക **,** ്ദഷ്ത്രാചാ ്ങളുും പൂജാത്കമ്ങളുും ശ്ാ്഼ത്ര വിധിത്പകാ ും നെ്ᩈ ് ിന് സഹായക മായ നിലപാെ കൾ സവീക ി്ക ക **.** ്ഷതര്ിനടേ തപശ രി് ു അഭിവൃ്ി് ു **,** പ ് ാഗരി് ു ്വ് പ്രികൾ ആവിഷ ി് കയ ു ് ാർഡിൽ സമർ്ി് കയ ു ് ാർഡിനടേ അന വാദ്്ാെ കൂെി തപാ്യാഗികമാ് കയ ു ടച്ുക **.** ്ദഷ്ത്ര ഉ്഼വും **,** ചിേ്ᩔ് **,** ആ്ടവി്ദശ്ഷും **,** മാസവി്ദശ്ഷും മ രലായ വി്ദശ്ഷാൽ അെിയ്ബി ്ങൾ ഡി്ᩔാർ്ടുടമന ഉ് യാഗ്ഽ ടെ അന മരി വാ്ങി ഭുംഗിയായ ും ചി്ടയായ ും നെ്ᩈ ക **,** ്ദഷ്ത്ര ദർശ്ന്ᩈിടന്ᩈ ്ര ഭ്വ ജന്ങൾ്ക് ്ദവ്ി സൗക യ്ങൾ ഒ ്ക ് ിന് അധികാ ികടള സഹായി്ക ക **,** മന ഷയന്ᩖᩄ᪚്ക് ഉരക ് ്ᩈിൽ സനാരനധർ്മ്ങൾ ത്പച ി്ᩔി്ക ക. ധയാന്ദയാഗ്ങൾ **,** നാമജപും **,** വി്ദശ്ഷാൽ പൂജകൾ **,** ഭ്വിത്പഭാഷണ്ങൾ ര െ്ങിയവ ഡി്ᩔാർ്ടുടമന അന മരി്ദയാടെ സുംഘെി്ᩔി്ക ക **,** ഭ്വജന്ങൾ്ക് അ്രദാനും ര െ്ങിയ ്ദസവനും നെ്ᩈ കയ ും അരിന് ത്പാ്ദചാദനും നല്ക കയ ും ടച്യുക **,** ്ദഷ്ത്രവ ും പ ിസ വ ും ശ് ചിയായി സൂഷ്ി്ക ് ിന് ്ദവ്ി നെപെികൾ സവീക ി്ക ക **,** മഹാ്ᩖാ ായ ്ദഷ്ത്രവിശ്വാസിക്ദളയ ും ്ദഷ്ത്രകലാകാ ്ᩖാട യ ും ആദ ി്ക ക **,** ്ദഷ്ത്രസും ്യമായ ത്പവർ്ᩈന്ങളുും **,** ഉ്഼വാദി അെിയ്ബി ്ങളുും സ ഗമമാ്ക ് ിന് ഡി്ᩔാർ്ടുടമന അന മരി്ദയാടെ മാത്രും സുംഭാവനകൾ **,** ഇ്ിദാനും എ്രിവ ഭ്വജന്ങളിൽ നി്ര ും സമാഹ ി്ക ക **.”** (underline supplied) 14 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 17. As per Clause (2) of the Rules one of the objectives of the Temple Advisory Committee is to formulate schemes for the betterment and development of the Temple, submit the same before the Board and execute it with the approval of the Board. The Advisory Committee shall collect donations from the devotees for the smooth functioning of the temple activities and festivals only with the permission of the Department. 18. Clause (3) of Rules, which deals with membership, ## reads thus; “3. അുംഗരവും 3.1. ്ദഷ്ത്രാചാ ്ങളില ും വിത്ഗഹാ ാധനയില ും വിശ്ാസമ ്ള രാടെ സൂചി്ᩔി്ക ്ര വിഭാഗ്ങളിൽട്ᩔ്ട ത്പായപൂർ്ᩈിയായ ഏടരാ ഹി്മ വിന ും അുംഗരവ്ᩈിന് അർഹര ഉ്ിായി ി്ക ് ാണ്. (i) ്ദഷ്ത്രപ ിസ ്ᩈ് അ്ഞ് കി്ദലാമീ്റൽ ച ്റളവിന ്ളിൽ രാമസി്ക ്ര ഭ്വജന്ങൾ. `(ii)` ശ ്ദഷ്രപാ ്മ യമായി ്യട്ᩔ്ട ക കളി്ദലാ ത്പ് ളി്ദലാ രാമസി്ക ്ര ഭ്വജന്ങൾ. (iii) ്ി മായി ്ഷതരസ്ർശനു നെ് ്വ ു ്ഷതര്ിനടേയ ു വിശവാസികളു്െയ ു പ ് ാഗരിᩄ് ്വ് എെ ് പേയ്് സുഭാവനകൾ ടചᩄരി്ു്വ മായ ഭ്ജന്ൾ. (iv) ്ദഷ്ത്രപ ിസ ്ᩈ് ജനി്ചുവളർ്രവ ും, ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ᩈിന്ടേ വികസന്ᩈില ും ആ്ദഘാഷ്ങളില ും പ്ഝാളികളാവ ്രവ ും എ്രാൽ ജീവി്ദരാപാധി്കായി മാേി രാമസി്ദ്ക് വ ്രവ മായ ഭ്വജന്ങൾ. 3.2. സവാഭാവദൂഷയ്ങൾ്ദ്കാ ദ പ്ദയാഗ്ങൾ്ദ്കാ സാ്മ്ᩈിക ത്കമ്ദ്കെ കൾ്ദ്കാ ശ്ിഷ്ി്കട്ᩔ്ടി ്ടു്ളവർ്ക ും ്ദഷ ത്രാപ് ശ്കസമിരികളിൽ ത്പവർ്ᩈി്ച് നിയമ ഹിരമായ ത്പവർ്ᩈന്ങളിൽ ഏർട്ᩔ്ടവർ്ക ും, ്ധിമാ്മയമ ്ളവർ്ക ും അുംഗരവ്ᩈിന് അർഹര ഉ്ിായി ി്ക ് ലല. 3.3. രി വിരാുംകൂർ ് വസവും ്ദ ാർഡ് നിഷ്കർഷി്ചി്ടു്ള 15 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 ്ദ ാേ്ᩈിൽ 100/- ( ൂപ നൂ് മാത്രും) ത്പ്ദവശ്ന ീ്ദസാടൊ്ᩔും അുംഗരവ്ᩈിന് അ്ദപഷ് ഭ്വജന്ങളിൽ നി്ര ും സ്ᩃത്ഗൂ്ᩔ് ഓ ീസർ/ അഡ്മിനി്഼്ദത്െ്റീവ് ഓ ീസർ സവീക ി്ദ്ക്ിരാണ്. അ്ദപഷ് പ ി്ദശ്ാധി്ച് അുംഗരവും നൽക ് ിന് അർഹര ഉട്ി്ര് ്ദ ാധയട്ᩔ്ടാൽ സ്ᩃത്ഗൂ്ᩔ് ഓ ീസർ/അഡ്മിനി്഼്ദത്െ്റീവ് ഓ ീസർ സാഷ്യട്ᩔെ ്ᩈിയ അുംഗരവകാർഡ് അവർ്ക് നൽ്ദക്ിര മാണ്. 3.4. അുംഗരവും നൽക ് ിന് 3.1. ൽ നിഷ ർഷി്ചി്ടു്ള 4 വിഭാഗ്ᩈിൽട്ᩔ്ടവ ിൽ, എ്ഞിനീയർമാർ, ആർ്കിടെ്ᨴ്, ചാർ്ദ്ടഡ് അ്കൗ്ിന , വ്കീല്ᩖാർ, ഉയർ്ര ഉ് യാഗ്ങളിലി ്ര് വി മി്ചവർ ര െ്ങിയവട സ്ᩃത്ഗൂ്ᩔ് ഓ ീസർമാർ ്ദന ി്ട് കാണ കയ ും ത്പരിവികസന കാ യ്ങളിൽ അവർ്ക് രാത്പ യമ ട്ി്ര് ക്ിാൽ അവട അുംഗ്ങളാ്ക ് ിന ്ള നെപെികൾ സവീക ി്ദ്ക്ിര മാണ്. 3.5. ്ദഷ്രഉപ് ശ്ക സമിരിടയ ടര ടെെ ്ക ് ിന് അുംഗരവകാർഡ് ലഭി്ക ്ര അുംഗ്ങടള ഉൾട്കാ്ളി്ചുടകാ്ി ്ള ഒ ജി്ദേർഡ് മ്ണലും ഉ്ിായി ി്ക ് ാണ്. 3.6. ഒ ്ദഷ ത്രാപ് ശ്ക സമിരിയിൽ അുംഗമാക ്ര വയ്വി ് വസവും ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ കീെില ്ള മ്റ് ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ങളിടല്ദയാ ഏടര്ഝില ും സവകാ യ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ങളിടല്ദയാ ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയി്ദലാ മ്റു ഭ ണസമിരിയി്ദലാ അുംഗമായി ി്കാൻ പാെിലല." (underline supplied) 19. Clause (3) of the Rules makes it explicitly clear that the membership in ‘registered mandalam’ is mainly for the devotees who are residing within a distance of 5 kms from the temple, who are regular worshipers and had contributed considerably for the betterment of the temple and the devotees. Sub-clauses (i) to (iv) of Clause (3) of the Rules deal with the class of persons who are entitled to get membership. 20. Clause (9) of the Rules deals with office bearers and their duties. Clause (9.1) deals with the President, Clause (9.2) 16 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 deals with the Vice President, Clause (9.3.) deals with the Secretary and Clause (9.4) deals with the Treasurer. Clause (9) of the Rules reads thus; “9. ഭാ വാഹികളുും, ച മരലയ ും 9.1. ത്പസിഡന ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ ്ദയാഗ്ങളിൽ അ്ധയഷ്ും വഹി്ക ക, ്ദയാഗനെപെികൾ ്ദ ഖട്ᩔെ ്ᩈിയ മിനി്സിൽ ഒ്ᩔ് വ്ച് അുംഗീകാ ും നൽക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ ്ദപ ിൽ ത്പസിഡന്േ ും ത്െഷേേ ും കൂ്ടായി ഏടര്ഝില ും ഒ ് ശ്സാൽകൃര/ടഷഡയൂൾഡ് ാ്ഝിൽ അ്കൗ്ി് ര േ്ക ക, ് വസവും ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ നിർ്ദേശ ൾ അന സ ി്ച് സമിരി ത്പവർ്ᩈി്ക ്ര എ്ര് ഉേ്ᩔുവ ്ᩈ ക, സമിരിയ ടെ ്നരൃരവ്ില ് പണ്ി ിവ സു ്ി് ്മൽ്നാ്ു വഹി് ക, ്ദ ാർഡ് അുംഗീക ി്ക ്ര കാ യ്ങൾ്ക മാത്രും നിയമാന സൃരും ്ി് ടചലവാ്ക ്ര ടവ്ര് ഉേ്ᩔുവ ്ᩈ ക, പണ്ᩔി ിവ് കെിൊല െൻ ര ക നിയമാന സയരും ്ദജായിന അ്കൗ് ൽ നി്ദഷ്പി്ക ്ര ടവ്ര് ഉേ്ᩔുവ ്ᩈ ക, ്ഷതരഉ്മന്ിന ഭ്ജന സൗക യാർഥു പ്രികൾ ആവിഷ ി്ച് ് ാർഡിനടേ അന മരി്യാടെ നെ്ാ് ക. എലലാും അുംഗ്ങളുടെയ ും വിശ്വാസവ ും സഹക ണവ ും കൂ്ടാᩄ᪚മയ ും ഉേ്ᩔാ്കി അ്ചെ്ക്ദ്ᩈാടെ ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരി ത്പവർ്ᩈി്ക ്ര ടവ്ര് ഉേ്ᩔുവ ്ᩈ ക. 9.2. വവ്഼ ത്പസിഡന ്ദയാഗ്ങൾ കൂെ ്ദ്മാൾ ത്പസിഡന്േിന്ടേ അഭാവ്ᩈിൽ ്ദയാഗ്ᩈിന് അ്ധയഷ്ും വഹി്ക ക, ്ദയാഗ നെപെികൾ നിയത ി്ക ക, ്ദയാഗ്ᩈിന്ടേ മിനി്്഼ ഒ്ᩔ് വ്ച് അുംഗീക ി്ക ക. ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരി ത്പവർ്ᩈന്ങളിൽ ത്പസിഡന്േിടന സഹായി്ക ക. 9.3. ടസക്ടേി ്ദഷ്ത്ര ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ വദനുംദിന ത്പവർ്ᩈന്ങൾ നെ്ᩈ ക, വ വ കൾ്ക് സീത് ടകാെ ്ക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ അുംഗീകാ ്ᩈിന് വി്ദധയമായി ചിലവ കൾ ടച്യുക, ചിലവ കൾ്ക് വൗ്ചേ കൾ എെ രി സൂഷ്ി്ക ക, വ വ് ചിലവ് കണ്ക കൾ എെ രി സൂഷ്ി്ക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ ്ദപ ില ്ള ാ്ഝ് അ്കൗ്ി്, ടച്ക ്ക്, മ്റ് േി്കാർഡ കൾ മ രലായവ സൂഷ്ി്ക ക. ്ദയാഗരീ മാന്ങൾ മിനി്സിൽ ്ദ ഖട്ᩔെ ്ᩈി ത്പസിഡന്േിന്ടേ വകടയാ്ᩔ് വാ്ങി 17 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 സൂഷ്ി്ക ക. സമിരിയ ടെ അുംഗീകാ ്ദ്ᩈാടെ ്ദ ഖകൾ, നിർ് ശ ൾ, അേിയി്ᩔുകൾ, അ്ദപഷ്കൾ എ്രിവ ് വസവും അധികൃരർ മ ്മാടക സമർ്ᩔി്ക ക. സാ്്ിക സമാഹ ണവ ു മ്ുു നെ് ് ിന ഡി്ാർ്ുടമനേിനടേ അന മരി വാ്ി്ച് ആവശയമായ കൂ്ൺ ര്ാോ്ി അസിേന ് വസവു ക്ീഷണേ ടെ സീൽവ്ച് സൂഷി് കയ ു അത നിയമാന സൃരു ഉപ്യാഗി് ് എ്ര് ഉേ്ുവ ് കയ ു ടച്ുക, പണ്ി ിവ കളുടെയ ു വ വ ടചലവ കളുടെയ ു വാർഷിക കണ് കൾ ആഡി്റ് നെ്ി എലാ വർഷവ ു ഏതപിൽ മാസു 30-ാാാു രീയരിᩄ്ക് മ ്ായി ് ാർഡ അധികൃര ടെ മ ്ാടക ഹാജ ാ് ക, സമിരിയ ടെ േി്കാർഡ കൾ സൂഷ്ി്ക ക, സമിരി നിർ്ദേശ്ി്ക ് ും, ് വസവും ്ദ ാർഡ് നി്ᩐയി്ക ് മായ ്ദയാഗ്ങളിൽ സമിരിടയ ത്പരിനിധീക ി്ക ക, ത്പസിഡന്േിന്ടേ നിർ്ദേശ്ാന സ ണും സമിരി ്ദയാഗ്ങൾ വിളി്ച് കൂ്ടുക. 9.4. ത്െഷേർ സമിരിയ ടെ ്ദപ ിൽ ്ദജായിന അ്കൗ്ി് ര െ്ങ ക, നി്ᩐിര ആവശ്യ്ങൾ്കായി സമാഹ ി്ക ്ര പണും ാ്ഝ് അ്കൗ് ൽ നി്ദഷ്പി്ക ്ര ടവ്ര് ഉേ്ᩔുവ ്ᩈ ക. വ വ ടചലവ കൾ്ക് വൗ്ചേ കൾ സൂഷ്ി്ക ്ര ടവ്ര ും, കണ്ക കൾ കൃരയമായി ്ദ ഖട്ᩔെ ്ᩈി വᩄ᪚്ക ്ര ടവ്ര ും ഉപ്ദയാഗി്ച സീര കളുടെ കൗ്ിർ ്ദ ായില കളുും ഉപ്ദയാഗി്കാ്ᩈ സീര കളുും ത്പ്ദരയകും സൂഷ്ി്ക ്ര ടവ്ര ും ഉേ്ᩔുവ ്ᩈ ക. ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ അുംഗീകാ ്ദ്ᩈാെ കൂെിയ ും ത്പസിഡന , ടസത്ക്ടേി എ്രിവ ടെ അേി്ദവാ് കൂെിയ മാണ് വ വ് ടചലവ കൾ നെ്ᩈ ്രടര്ര് ഉേ്ᩔു വ ്ᩈ ക, അെിയ്ബി ഘ്ട്ങളിൽ ഉപ്ദയാഗി്ക ് ിന് സമിരിയ ടെ രീ മാന്ᩈിന് വി്ദധയമായി ആയി ും ൂപയിൽ കവിയാ്ᩈ ര ക വകവശ്ും വᩄ᪚്ക ക. അ്ᩔ്ദ്ᩔാൾ (underline supplied) 21. As per Clause (9) of the Rules, one among the duties of the President, as provided in Clause (9.1), is to formulate projects for the betterment of the temple and for the convenience of the devotees and implement the same with the approval of the Board. The President has to supervise the 18 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 collection of funds at the initiative of the Advisory Committee and he has to ensure that the functioning of the Committee is in accordance with the directions issued by the 2[nd] respondent Board. As per Clause (9.3), the Secretary of the Committee has to get the approval of the Department for the collection of funds. He has to print coupons and keep them in safe custody, after obtaining the seal of the Assistant Commissioner. He has to ensure that such coupons are used only as per the permission granted by the Board. The Secretary has to cause the accounts relating to the collection of funds, income and expenditure audited which shall be produced before the authorities in the Board before 30[th] April of every year. As per Clause (9.4) of the Rules, the Treasurer has to ensure that proper accounts are maintained for the income and expenditure and that the income and expenditure of the Advisory Committee are with the approval of the Committee and with the knowledge of the President and the Secretary. 22. Clause (12) of the Rules, which deals with the powers and rights of the Devaswom Board, reads thus; "12. ് വസവും ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ അധികാ അവകാശ ൾ ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയിടല അുംഗ്ങളുടെ ്ദയാഗയര നി്ᩐയി്ക വാന ും സമിരിയ ടെ കാലാവധി നി്ᩐയി്കാന ും, വയ്മായ കാ ണ്ളുടെ അെി്ാന്ിൽ അുഗ്ടള സമിരിയിൽ നി്ര് നീ്ു ടച്ാന മ ് 19 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 അധികാ ു ് വസവും ക്മീഷണർ്ക് ഉ്ിായി ി്ക ് ാണ്. ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ ത്പവർ്ᩈന്ങൾ ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ᩈിന േയ ും, ഹി്മ മര വിശ്വാസ്ᩈിന േയ ും, ് വസവും ്ദ ാർഡിന േയ ും രാല്പ യ്ങൾ്ക് വി ്ധമായി വ ്ര അവസ ്ᩈില ും വയ്മായ സാ്്ിക തകമ്്െ കൾ തശ യിൽടപെ ് അവസ ്ില ു സമിരിടയ പൂർണമായ ും നീ്കും ടച്യു് ിന ്ള പ ിപൂർ്ണ അധികാ ും ് വസവും ക്മീഷണർ്ക് ഉ്ിായി ി്ക ് (underline supplied) 23. As per Clause (12) of the Rules, the Devaswom Commissioner shall have the power to determine the eligibility of the members of the Advisory Committee and the term of the Advisory Committee and also to remove the members of the Committee on the basis of specific reasons. In the event of the activities of the Advisory Committee being contrary to the interest of the Temple, Hindu faith or the Devaswom Board, or in the event of specific financial irregularities, the Commissioner shall have the absolute power to remove the Advisory Committee. 24. Clause (18) of the Rules, which deals with ## prohibitions, reads thus; “18.നി്ദ ാധനും ്ദഷ്ത്ര ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരി്ദയാ, അുംഗ്ങ്ദളാ ്ഷതര സ്ർശക ിൽ നി് ു ്ഷതര്ിന ്ിൽ വ്ച് യാടരാ പണപി ിവ കളുു നെ്ാൻ പാെില. ്ദഷ ത്രാപ് ശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ ച മരലയിൽ ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ᩈിന ്ളിൽ നെ്ക ്ര ചെ്ങ കളുടെ ്ദവദികളിൽ പണും സമാഹ ി് ് ിന കാണി്വ്ിക്ളാ, പാതര്്ളാ ടവᩄ്ാൻ പാെിലാ്രാണ. ്ദഷ്ത്രവികസന കാ യ്ങൾ്ക് ്ദവ് ഡി്ᩔാർ്ടുടമന്ടേ അന വാദ്ദ്ᩈാെ കൂെി കൂ്ᩔണ കൾ അ്ചെി്ക ്ദ്മാൾ 20 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 നി്ᩐിരര ക ്ദ ഖട്ᩔെ ്ᩈിയ കൂ്ᩔണ കൾ മാത്ര്ദമ അ്ചെി്കാൻ പാെ ്ളൂ. അസിേന ് വസവു ക്ീഷണേ ടെ മ തദ പരി്ി്ാ് സീര കൾ യാടരാ കാ ണവശാല ു പണ്ി ിവിന ഉപ്യാഗി്ാൻ പാെിലല. ഇരിന് വി ്ധമായ ത്പവർ്ᩈന്ങൾ ത്ശ യിൽട്ᩔ്ടാൽ സാ്്ിക തകമ്്ൊയി പ ിഗണി്ച് നിലവില ്ള നിയമ്ങൾ അന സ ി്ച് കർശ്ന നെപെികൾ സവീക ി്കാന ്ള അധികാ ും ്ദ ാർഡിന് ഉ്ിായി ി്ക ് ാണ്. ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയിടല ഭാ വാഹിരവ്ᩈില ും അുംഗരവ്ᩈില ും ഉൾട്ᩔെ ്ര ഒ വയ്വി്ക് ര െർ്ചയായി ്ി ക്മി്റിയ ടെ കാലാവധിയിൽ കൂെ രൽ സമിരിയിൽ ര െ ാൻ അർഹര ഉ്ിായി ി്ക ് ലല. രി വിരാുംകൂർ ് വസവും ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ ഭ ണാധികാ ട്ᩈയ ും നിയത ണാധികാ ട്ᩈയ ും സമിരി്ദ്കാ, സമിരിയിടല അുംഗ്ങൾ്ദ്കാ ്ദചാദയും ടച്യാൻ യാടരാ അവകാശ്വ ും ഉ്ിായി ി്ക ് ലല. ് വസവും ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ ഭ ണ്ᩈില ്ള ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ᩈിടല ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയിൽ അുംഗമായി്ടു്ള ഒ ാൾ്ക് അ്ദരകാലയളവിൽ ്ദ ാർഡ് ഭ ണ്ᩈില ്ള മ്റ് ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ങളി്ദല്ദയാ ഏടര്ഝില ും സവകാ യ ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ങളി്ദല്ദയാ ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയി്ദലാ മ്റു ഭ ണസമിരിയി്ദലാ അുംഗമായി ി്കാൻ അർഹര ഉ്ിായി ി്ക ് ലല.” (underline supplied) 25. Clause (18) of the Rules prohibits the Temple Advisory Committee from collecting funds in connection with any ceremonies in the temple by placing kanikkavanchi or hundies. When coupons are printed for development activities in the temple, with the approval of the Department, only coupons for the specified amount shall be printed. No receipts without the seal of the Assistant Commissioner shall be used for collecting funds. As per Clause (18), a person who is an office bearer or member of the Temple Advisory Committee shall not be eligible to continue as such continuously exceeding the term of two 21 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 committees. 26. In **Sunil Kumar C. and others v. Travancore** **Devaswom Board and others [2022 (4) KHC 663]** a Division Bench of this Court in which one among us [Anil K. Narendran, J] was a party, held that the provisions under Clause (18) of the Rules provide sufficient safeguards to prevent illegal collection of funds by the Temple Advisory Committee for development activities in a temple. 27. Clause (18) of the Rules (bye-laws) framed under sub-section (3) of Section 31A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 prohibits the Temple Advisory Committee from collecting funds in connection with any ceremonies in the temple by placing kanikkavanchi or hundies. When coupons are printed for development activities in the temple, with the approval of the Department, only coupons for the specified amount shall be printed. No receipts without the seal of the Assistant Commissioner shall be used for collecting funds. 28. In view of the provisions under Clause (9) of the Rules (bye-laws) framed under sub-section (3) of Section 31A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 and the law laid down by this Court in **Sunil Kumar C. [2022 (4) KHC** 22 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 **663]** , the collection of funds by the Temple Advisory Committee of a temple under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board, in connection with any festival or ceremonies in the temple, or otherwise, by placing Kanikka Vanchi or Hundis or collection of funds without sealed coupons issued by the Assistant Commissioner, will amount to a financial irregularity by the Temple Advisory Committee. The provisions contained in Clause (18) of the Rules (bye-laws), which provides for sufficient safeguards to prevent illegal collection of funds by the Temple Advisory Committee. As per Clause (9.1), the President of the Temple Advisory Committee has to supervise the collection of funds at the initiative of the Advisory Committee and he has to ensure that the functioning of the Committee is in accordance with the directions issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board. As per Clause (9.3), the Secretary of the Advisory Committee has to get the approval of the Department for collection of funds, who has to cause the accounts relating to collection of funds. 29. In the order dated 23.11.2023, this Court noticed from the files, minutes book and the account book made available for the perusal of this Court that the activities in connection with the construction of the building in question are being undertaken by the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory 23 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 - Committee openly flouting the provisions under the Rules (Bye laws) for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in temples under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board, made under sub-section (3) of Section 31A of the TravancoreCochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950, which has been approved by this Court in DBA No.153 of 2009. 30. In the counter affidavit filed by the 4[th] respondent Sub Group Officer, it is stated that, immediately upon realising the fact the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee does not have a joint account, the 4[th] respondent gave strict direction to the office bearers for opening a bank account forthwith. Accordingly, a joint account was opened on 22.11.2023 at Kerala Bank, Kavanadu Branch, with Account No.113012801200012. 31. The above aspect has been dealt with in paragraphs 12 to 16 of the counter affidavit filed by the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee, which read thus; “12. It is most respectfully submitted that as far as the account books to be maintained in the temple are concerned, in fact, no proper system of accounting was followed. The main reason for the same is almost all income received/receivable of the temple (collection from kanikka vanchi, counter collection, etc.) wholly belongs to the Travancore Devaswom Board. That apart almost all the rituals such as sapthaham, mandala chirappu, etc. are 24 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 being sponsored or performed by devotees at their own cost. So far as the Meena Bharani festival is concerned all coupons for collection from the public are to be sealed from the TDB and the unsold coupons if any, are surrendered to the TDB along with the income and expenditures statement. 13. Regarding the present construction, the entire amount spent/to be spent is contributed by the members of the TAC only, on the principle that each person contributes according to his capacity. It is humbly submitted and affirmed that the TAC has not collected any money from outside the TAC. Even though no proper books of accounts in accordance with the accountancy principles were maintained, the Secretary, the President and the Vice President have maintained receipts and expenses whenever it is happened. A true copy of the summary of the accounts so maintained in a notebook is produced along with the affidavit filed by the 8[th] respondent and is marked as Exhibit R8(b). 14. In fact, the present TAC could not start maintaining account books properly due to the major reason that there was no such practice in this temple and the previous TAC has not handed over any such accounts to the present TAC and also due to the ignorance of the law. In this regard, I would like to tender my deepest apology for the nonmaintenance of the books of accounts in a proper way and also undertake to start maintaining the books of accounts in a proper way hereafter. 15. Likewise, the present TAC has not maintained any bank accounts as stipulated by law. Now, it has come to our notice that this is a violation of the law. However, 25 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 immediately after the interference of this Hon'ble Court, the TAC started a savings bank account (joint account along with the subgroup officer) in the Kerala State CoOperative Bank (Kerala Bank) at Kavanadu Branch bearing account number 113012801200012 on 22.11.2023 as per the law in strict obedience to this Hon'ble Court's interference. The savings account mentioned in Para-6 of the writ petition is just a joint personal account of myself along with the 8[th] respondent herein. 16. In fact, in this case also, the previous TAC has not handed over any such bank accounts to the present TAC and we have blindly and innocently followed the practice of the previous years without having been concerned about the consequences. Here, it is very pertinent to note that the petitioner herein himself was part of a TAC during the period from 2013 to 2016 and it is evident that that TAC has also not followed correct practice.” 32. Therefore, the activities of the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee in connection with the construction of the building in question are being undertaken by openly flouting the - provisions under the Rules (Bye laws) for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in temples under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board, made under sub-section (3) of Section 31A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act. The term of the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee will expire on 27.04.2024. 26 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 In the above circumstances, this writ petition is disposed of by directing the 2[nd] respondent Travancore Devaswom Board to take an appropriate decision on the continuance of the 5[th] respondent Temple Advisory Committee and the disqualification of its officer bearers/members, strictly in accordance with the provisions under the Rules (bye-laws), with notice to them and also the petitioner and after affording them an opportunity of being heard, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment. Sd/- ## **ANIL K. NARENDRAN, JUDGE** Sd/- **G. GIRISH, JUDGE** ded 27 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 ## **`APPENDIX OF WP(C) 37213/2023`** ``` PETITIONER EXHIBITS ``` ``` Exhibit P1TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER OF THE MEMBERS OF THE TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE DATED 12.6.2022 WITH TYPED COPY ``` ``` Exhibit P2TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER SUBMITTED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE DATED 11.11.2022 WITH TYPED COPY ``` ``` Exhibit P3TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE DEVASWOM BOARD GIVING PERMISSION FOR CONSTRUCTION AS ROC NO.9669/23/M DATED 15.9.2023 WITH TYPED COPY ``` ``` Exhibit P4TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT SUBMITTED BY A DEVOTEE AGAINST THE CONSTRUCTION DATED NIL ``` ``` Exhibit P5TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT SUBMITTED BY THE DEVOTEES DATED 30.10.2023 ``` ``` Exhibit P6TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF 'PRASNACHARTHU' DATED 05.07.2017 ``` - **`Exhibit P7 TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH DATED NIL`** - **`Exhibit P8 TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH DATED NIL Exhibit P9 TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH DATED NIL Exhibit P10 TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH DATED NIL Exhibit P11 TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH DATED NIL Exhibit P12 TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH DATED NIL`** ``` Exhibit P13TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF THE FESTIVAL NOTICE DATED NIL ``` ``` Exhibit P14TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH OF SAKTHIKULANGARA ARAATTU ULSAVAM DATED NIL ``` ``` Exhibit P14(a)TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH OF SAKTHIKULANGARA ARAATTU ULSAVAM DATED ``` 28 W.P.(C)No.37213 of 2023 ``` NIL ``` ``` Exhibit P14(b)TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH OF SAKTHIKULANGARA ARAATTU ULSAVAM DATED NIL Exhibit P14(c)TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH OF SAKTHIKULANGARA ARAATTU ULSAVAM DATED NIL ``` ``` RESPONDENT EXHIBITS ``` ``` Exhibit R8(a)TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF THE MINUTES RECORDED DATED: 23.06.2023 Exhibit R8(b)TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF THE ACCOUNT BOOK ``` ``` Exhibit R4(b)TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED NIL ISSUED BY THE STHAPATHY, KANIPPAYYOOR KRISHNAN NAMBOODIRIPPAD, TO THE SECRETARY OF TAC, VALLIKKEZH DEVI TEMPLE, KAVANAD, KOLLAM. ``` ``` Exhibit R4(a)TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 27/10/2023 ISSUED BY THE THANTHRI SRI. A.B. SURESH BHATATHIRI, THANTHRI T.D.B., ADIMUTTATHU MADOM, BUDHANOOR TO THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD, KOLLAM. ``` ``` Exhibit R5(a)TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TEMPLE COMPOUND TAKEN RECENTLY FROM THE EAST DIRECTION Exhibit R5(b)TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TEMPLE COMPOUND TAKEN RECENTLY FROM THE WEST DIRECTION Exhibit R5(c)TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TEMPLE COMPOUND TAKEN RECENTLY FROM THE NORTH DIRECTION Exhibit R5(d)TRUE COPY OF THE SKETCH AND PLAN FOR THE DISPUTED CONSTRUCTION, PREPARED BY SRI. KANIPPAYUR ```