Travancore Devaswom Board v. Deputy Director Local Fund Audit and Temple Advisory Committee, Thrippuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple, Chengannur, Alappuzha

## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE HARISANKAR V. MENON FRIDAY, THE 12[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 23RD CHAITHRA, 1946 ``` ``` DBP NO. 37 OF 2024 ``` ``` IN THE MATTER OF TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD-REPORT NO. 7 OF 2024 IN PETITION NO.6 OF 2023 IN THE MATTER OF APPROVAL OF CONTRACT SANCTION FOR THE WORK OF THRIPPULIYOOR DEVASWOM IN ARANMULA GROUP-CONSTRUCTION OF SADHYALAYAM- SUO MOTU PROCEEDINGS INITIATED-REG: ``` ## **`PETITIONERS:`** - **`1 TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, NANTHANCODE, KOWDIAR.P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695003.`** - **`2 THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD, MAVELIKKARA-690101. BY ADV SHRI.G.BIJU,SC,TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD`** ## **`RESPONDENT/S:`** - **`1 THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR LOCAL FUND AUDIT, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD, NANTHANCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,-695003.`** ``` 2THE EMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MAJOR THRIPPULIYOOR MAHAVISHNU TEMPLE, CHENGANNUR, ALAPPUZHA. BY ADV SHRI.S.RAJMOHAN, SENIOR G.P. ``` 2 DBP No.37 of 2024 ## **`OTHER PRESENT:`** ``` SRI G. BIJU - STANDING COUNSEL - TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD ``` ``` SRI S.RAJMOHAN- SR GOVERNMENT PLEADER ; SRI P.RAMACHANDRAN - AMICUS CURIAE FOR OMBUDSMAN ``` ``` THIS DEVASWOM BOARD PETITION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 12.04.2024, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` 3 DBP No.37 of 2024 ## **ORDER** ## Anil K. Narendran, J. This DBP is registered based on Report No.7 of 2024 of the learned Ombudsman in Petition No.6 of 2023 filed by the Travancore Devaswom Board, represented by its Secretary and the Executive Engineer, Travancore Devaswom Board, Mavelikkara, seeking approval of contract sanction for the construction of Sadyalayam in Thrippuliyoor Devaswom in Aranmula Group. In the Petition, it is stated that Thrippuliyoor Devaswom is one of the prominent temples in Aranmula Group of Travancore Devaswom Board. Due to dilapidated condition of the existing Sadyalayam, the number of marriage functions has been significantly reduced. If a new Sadyalayam is constructed, it would increase the revenue of the Department, as stated in Annexure I report dated 19.12.2022 of the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, addressed to the Executive Engineer, Estate Division. In Annexure II letter dated 27.11.2022 the Temple Advisory Committee of Thrippuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple has agreed to remit an amount of Rs.25 lakhs in the Devaswom fund as their contribution, in two instalments. The said letter is one addressed to the Assistant Engineer, Maramath Wing, Chengannur. Regarding the construction of Sadyalayam, the Assistant 4 DBP No.37 of 2024 Devaswom Commissioner, obtained Annexure III opinion dated 28.12.2022 from the Tantri of the temple. The Travancore Devaswom Board by Annexure IV order dated 01.04.2023 accorded administrative sanction for the work, at an estimated cost of Rs.82,50,000/- based on DSR 2018, on condition that the Temple Advisory Committee shall contribute Rs.25 lakhs in two instalments, subject to the approval of this Court. The document marked as Annexure V is a copy of the estimate for construction of Sadyalayam, which is one prepared based on DSR 2018, based on Annexure VI plan prepared by Sthapathi in the approved panel of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The Board, vide Annexure VII order dated 16.06.2023 accorded technical sanction to the estimate for the said work. The Temple Advisory Committee remitted a sum of Rs.14 lakhs vide Challan No.50 dated 24.04.2023 towards 1[st] instalment of their contribution. Competitive e-tenders were invited by the Executive Engineer, Estate Division for the above work, twice. Since none responded to the first tender, re-e-tender was invited, in which two tenders were received from M.S.Hariharakumar at 3.20% below the sanctioned estimate rate and M.V.Prabha at 0.51% below the sanctioned estimate rate. Of the above, M.S.Hariharakumar is the lowest tenderer. The Chief Engineer, Travancore Devaswom Board 5 DBP No.37 of 2024 has recommended to the Board in Annexure IX letter dated 29.06.2023 for contract sanction for the work in favour of M.S.Hariharakumar. Based on that recommendation, the Board accorded sanction vide Annexure X order dated 19.07.2023 for awarding the contract in favour of M.S.Hariharakumar at 3.20% below the sanctioned estimate rate. 2. Before the learned Ombudsman, the respondent Deputy Director, State Audit Department, Travancore Devaswom Board Audit, submitted a remark dated 26.03.2024 wherein it is stated that in terms of the directions of the learned Ombudsman the Audit had verified the petition and the supporting documents and noted certain defects, as detailed in paragraph 4 of the remarks. The Audit issued a letter dated 09.11.2023 requiring the Board to furnish the documents/details mentioned in paragraph 4. Thereafter, in terms of the directions issued by the learned Ombudsman in the hearing held on 11.01.2024, the documents sought for were furnished, including challan remittance of Rs.14 Lakhs by the Temple Advisory Committee and the order of the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, permitting collection of funds from the public using sealed coupons. In the remarks dated 26.03.2024, it is stated that, as per the reply dated 06.03.2024 of the Executive Engineer, ‘Anunja’ from the Tantri will be obtained 6 DBP No.37 of 2024 only after the approval for award of work is obtained from this Court. However, nothing has been mentioned in that letter regarding ‘Vasthu’ concurrence for the construction. 3. In Report No.7 of 2024, the learned Ombudsman noticed the submission made by the liaison of the Travancore Devaswom Board that in paragraph 10 of Petition No.6 of 2023, the Executive Engineer, Estate Division, has stated that Annexure V estimate is prepared based on Annexure VI plan prepared by the ‘Sthapathi’ in the approved panel of the Board. In that report, the learned Ombudsman has also noticed the apprehension of the devotees who made contributions towards the remittance of Rs.14 lakhs vide Annexure VIII Challan dated 24.04.2023, in the delay in the construction work. 4. Heard the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for the petitioners, the learned Senior Government Pleader for the respondent and the learned Amicus Curiae for the learned Ombudsman. 5. Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 enacted by the State Legislature makes provision for the administration, supervision and control of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms and of other Hindu Religious Endowments and Funds. Kalarkode Sree Mahadeva Temple, under 7 DBP No.37 of 2024 Kalarkode Devaswom is a temple under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board, Ambalappuzha Group. 6. Section 15A of the Act, inserted by Act 5 of 2007, with effect from 12.04.2007, deals with duties of the Board. As per Section 15A, it shall be the duty of the Board to perform the following functions, namely, (i) to see that the regular traditional rites and ceremonies according to the practice prevalent in the religious institutions are performed promptly; (ii) to monitor whether the administrative officials and employees and also the employees connected with religious rites are functioning properly; (iii) to ensure proper maintenance and upliftment of the Hindu religious institutions; (iv) to establish and maintain proper facilities in the temples for the devotees. 7. Section 24 of the Act deals with maintenance of Devaswoms, etc., out of Devaswom Fund. As per Section 24, the Board shall, out of the Devaswom Fund constituted under Section 25, maintain the Devaswoms mentioned in Schedule I [i.e. incorporated Devaswoms], keep in a state of good repair the temples, buildings, and other appurtenances thereto, administer the said Devaswoms in accordance with recognised usages, make contributions to other Devaswoms in or outside the State and meet the expenditure for the customary religious ceremonies and 8 DBP No.37 of 2024 may provide for the educational upliftment, social and cultural advancement and economic betterment of the Hindu community. 8. Section 27 of the Act deals with Devaswom properties. As per Section 27, immovable properties entered or classed in the revenue records as Devaswom Vaga or Devaswom Poramboke and such other Pandaravaga lands as are in the possession or enjoyment of the Devaswoms mentioned in Schedule I after the 30[th] Meenam, 1097 corresponding to the 12[th] April, 1922, shall be dealt with as Devaswom properties. The provisions of the Land Conservancy Act of 1091 (IV of 1091) shall be applicable to Devaswom lands as in the case of Government lands. 9. Section 31 of the Act deals with management of Devaswoms. As per Section 31, subject to the provisions of Part I and the rules made thereunder, the Board shall manage the properties and affairs of the Devaswoms, both incorporated and unincorporated as heretofore, and arrange for the conduct of the daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in every temple according to its usage. 10. In **Ram Mohan Das v. Travancore Devaswom Board and others [1975 KLT 55]** a learned Single Judge of this Court held that, under Section 31 of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act the Travancore Devaswom Board shall 9 DBP No.37 of 2024 manage the properties and affairs of the Devaswoms, both incorporated and unincorporated and arrange for the conduct of the daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in every temple according to its usage. The position of the Board in regard - - to the Devaswoms incorporated and unincorporated is analogous to that of trustees. Any improper act of the Trustees could be questioned by a worshipper. ## 11. In **M.V. Ramasubbiar v. Manicka Narasimachara** **[(1979) 2 SCC 65]** , in the context of Sections 49, 51 and 52 of the Trusts Act, 1882, the Apex Court explained the nature of the fiduciary position of the trustee and his duties and obligations. It is duty of the trustees of the property to be faithful to the Trust and execute any document with reasonable diligence in the manner of an ordinary prudent man of business would conduct his own affairs. A trustee could not therefore occasion any loss to the Trust and it is his duty to sell the property, if at all that was necessary, to best advantage. Paragraph 4 of that decision reads thus; “4. There is some controversy on the question whether Defendant 1 made an outright purchase of the suit property for and on behalf of the trust for Rs 21,500 on April 19, 1959, or whether he intended to purchase it for himself and then decided to pass it on to the trust, for defendants have led their evidence to show that the property was allowed to be sold for Rs 21,500, which 10 DBP No.37 of 2024 was less than its market value, as it was meant for use by the trust and that Defendant 1 was not acting honestly when he palmed off the property to his son soon after by the aforesaid sale deed Ext.B13 dated July 14, 1960. The fact, however, remains that Defendant 1 was the trustee of the property, and it was his duty to be faithful to the trust and to execute it with reasonable diligence in the manner an ordinary prudent man of business would conduct his own affairs. He could not therefore occasion any loss to the trust and it was his duty to sell the property, if at all that was necessary, to best advantage. It has in fact been well recognised as an inflexible rule that a person in a fiduciary position like a trustee is not entitled to make a profit for himself or a member of his family. It can also not be gainsaid that he is not allowed to put himself in any such position in which a conflict may arise between his duty and personal interest, and so the control of the trustee's discretionary power prescribed by Section 49 of the Act and the prohibition contained in Section 51 that the trustee may not use or deal with the trust property for his own profit or for any other purpose unconnected with the trust, and the equally important prohibition in Section 52 that the trustee may not, directly or indirectly, buy the trust property on his own account or as an agent for a third person, cast a heavy responsibility upon him in the matter of discharge of his duties as the trustee. It does not require much argument to proceed to the inevitable further conclusion that the Rule prescribed by the aforesaid sections of the Act cannot be evaded by making a sale in the name of the trustee's partner or son, for that would, in fact and substance, indirectly benefit the trustee. Where therefore a trustee makes the sale of a property belonging to the trust, without any compelling reason, in favour of his son, without obtaining the permission of the court concerned, it is the duty of the court, in which the sale is challenged, to examine whether the trustee has acted reasonably and in good faith or whether he has committed a breach of the trust by benefitting himself from 11 DBP No.37 of 2024 the transaction in an indirect manner. The sale in question has therefore to be viewed with suspicion and the High Court committed an error of law in ignoring this important aspect of the law although it had a direct bearing on the controversy before it.” (underline supplied) ## 12. In **A.A. Gopalakrishnan v. Cochin Devaswom** **Board [(2007) 7 SCC 482]** a Three-Judge Bench of the Apex Court held that the properties of deities, temples and Devaswom Boards are required to be protected and safeguarded by their trustees/archakas/shebaits/employees. Instances are many where persons entrusted with the duty of managing and safeguarding the properties of temples, deities and Devaswom Boards have usurped and misappropriated such properties by setting up false claims of ownership or tenancy, or adverse possession. This is possible only with the passive or active collusion of the authorities concerned. Such acts of ‘fence eating the crops’ should be dealt with sternly. The Government, members or trustees of boards/trusts, and devotees should be vigilant to prevent any such usurpation or encroachment. It is also the duty of courts to protect and safeguard the properties of religious and charitable institutions from wrongful claims or misappropriation. 13. In **Travancore Devaswom Board v. Mohanan Nair** **[(2013 (3) KLT 132]** a Division Bench of this Court noticed that 12 DBP No.37 of 2024 in **A.A. Gopalakrishnan [(2007) 7 SCC 482]** the Apex Court emphasised that it is the duty of the courts to protect and safeguard the interest and properties of the religious and charitable institutions. The relevant principles under the Hindu law will show that the Deity is always treated similar to that of a minor and there are some points of similarity between a minor and a Hindu idol. The High Court therefore is the guardian of the Deity and apart from the jurisdiction under Section 103 of the Land Reforms Act, 1957 viz. the powers of revision, the High Court is having inherent jurisdiction and the doctrine of parens patriae will also apply in exercising the jurisdiction. Therefore, when a complaint has been raised by the Temple Advisory Committee, which was formed by the devotees of the Temple, about the loss of properties of the Temple itself, the truth of the same can be gone into by the High Court in these proceedings. 14. In **Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and others [2022 (2) KHC 411]** , in the context of Sabarimala Devaswom, which is an incorporated Devaswom mentioned in Schedule I of the Act, under Chengannur Group, this Court held that, in view of the provisions under the Act and also the law laid down in the decisions referred to supra, the Travancore Devaswom Board is duty bound to ensure proper administration, supervision and 13 DBP No.37 of 2024 control of Sabarimala Devaswom,. The Board has a statutory duty to monitor whether its administrative officials and employees and also the employees connected with religious rites are functioning properly. The Board is duty bound to exercise proper supervision and control over the acts and proceedings of all officers and servants and to manage the properties and affairs of Sabarimala Devaswom and conduct daily worships and ceremonies and also festivals in the temple according to its usage. Position of the Board in this regard is analogous to that of trustees, as held by this Court in **Ram Mohan Das [1975 KLT 55]** . Any improper act of the trustees could be questioned by a worshiper. The Board and those entrusted with the duty of managing the properties and affairs of Sabarimala Devaswom are duty bound to protect the properties of the deity from any wrongful claims, theft or misappropriation. Any such wrongful claims, theft or misappropriation with the passive or active collusion of the authorities concerned, which are acts of 'fence eating the crops' should be dealt with sternly. Since the deity being a perpetual minor, this Court is having inherent jurisdiction to protect and safeguard the interest and properties of the deity and the doctrine of _parens patriae_ will also apply in the exercise of such jurisdiction. 15. Section 31A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious 14 DBP No.37 of 2024 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. 16. In the exercise of the powers under sub-section (3) of 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. 17. Clause (2) of the Rules, which deals with the objectives of the Temple Advisory Committees, reads thus; “2. ഉ്ദേശ്യ ലഷ്യ്ങൾ ്ഷതര്ിന േയ ു **,** വിശവാസികളുടെയ ു പ ് ാഗരി് ്വ് തപവർ്ി് ക **,** ്ഷതരാചാ ്ളുു പൂജാതകമ്ളുു ശാ്തര വിധിതപകാ ു നെ് ് ിന സഹായക മായ നിലപാെ കൾ 15 DBP No.37 of 2024 സവീക ി് ക **.** ്ദഷ്ത്ര്ᩈിന്ടേ ത്പശ രി്ക ും അഭിവൃ്ധി്ക ും **,** പ ്ദ ാഗരി്ക ും ്ദവ് പ്ധരികൾ ആവിഷ ി്ക കയ ും ്ദ ാർഡിൽ സമർ്ᩔി്ക കയ ും ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ അന വാദ്ദ്ᩈാെ കൂെി ത്പാ്ദയാഗിക മാ്ക കയ ും ടച്യുക **.** ്ഷതര ഉ്വു **,** ചിേ്ᩔ് **,** ആ്വി്ശഷു **,** മാസവി്ശഷു മ രലായ വി്ശഷാൽ അെിയ്ി ്ൾ ഡി്ാർ്ുടമന ഉ് യാഗ് ടെ അന മരി വാ്ി ഭുഗിയായ ു ചി്യായ ു നെ് ക **,** ്ദഷ്ത്ര ദർശ്ന്ᩈിടന്ᩈ ്ര ഭ്വ ജന്ങൾ്ക് ്ദവ്ി സൗക യ്ങൾ ഒ ്ക ് ിന് ്ദഷ്ത്ര 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 **,** ്ഷതരസു ്മായ തപവർ്ന്ളുു **,** ഉ്വാദി അെിയ്ി ്ളുു സ ഗമമാ് ് ിന ഡി്ാർ്ുടമന അന മരി്യാടെ മാതരു സുഭാവനകൾ **,** ഇ്ദാനു എ്ിവ ഭ്ജന്ളിൽ നി് ു സമാഹ ി് ക **.”** (underline supplied) 18. As per Clause (2) of the Rules the Temple Advisory Committee has to render necessary assistance to the Travancore Devaswom Board and its officials for the smooth functioning of the temple activities, the conduct of daily worship, ceremonies and festivals according to the usage. The Advisory Committee has 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 conduct of temple activities and festivals only with the permission of the Department. 16 DBP No.37 of 2024 ## 19. Clause (3) of the 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) ്ദഷ്രപാ ്മ യമായി ്യട്ᩔ്ട ക കളി്ദലാ ത്പ് ശ 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 ്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 17 DBP No.37 of 2024 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) 20. 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 5kms 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. 21. Clause (9) of the Rules deals with office bearers and their duties. Clause (9.1) deals with the President, Clause (9.2) 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 ് 18 DBP No.37 of 2024 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 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 സമിരി ് സൂഷ്ി്ക ക, നിർ്ദേശ്ി്ക ് ും, വസവും ്ദ ാർഡ് നി്ᩐയി്ക ് മായ ്ദയാഗ്ങളിൽ സമിരിടയ ത്പരിനിധീക ി്ക ക, ത്പസിഡന്േിന്ടേ നിർ്ദേശ്ാന സ ണും സമിരി ്ദയാഗ്ങൾ വിളി്ച് 19 DBP No.37 of 2024 കൂ്ടുക. 9.4. ത്െഷേർ സമിരിയ ടെ ്ദപ ിൽ ്ദജായിന അ്കൗ്ി് ര െ്ങ ക, നി്ᩐിര ആവശ്യ്ങൾ്കായി സമാഹ ി്ക ്ര പണും അ്ᩔ്ദ്ᩔാൾ ാ്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. (underline supplied) 22. 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 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 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. 20 DBP No.37 of 2024 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. 23. Section 31A of the Act provides for formation of a Temple Advisory Committee in a temple under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board, in the name of the temple, in order to ensure the participation of Hindu devotees, and the composition of the Temple Advisory Committee shall be in the manner as prescribed in the rules made by the Board under sub- section (3) of Section 31A, not inconsistent with any practice, if any, prevailing in that temple. The Rules (Bye-laws) framed by the Travancore Devaswom Board under sub-section (3) of Section 31A of the Act has been approved by this Court by the order dated 03.11.2011 in DBA No.153 of 2009. As per the provisions contained in Clause (2) of the Rules (Bye-laws), the Temple Advisory Committee has to render necessary assistance to the Travancore Devaswom Board and its officials for the smooth 21 DBP No.37 of 2024 functioning of the temple activities, the conduct of daily worship, ceremonies and festivals according to the usage. The Temple Advisory Committee has 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 conduct of temple activities and festivals only with the permission of the Department. 24. As per the provisions contained in Clause (9) of the Rules (Bye-laws) 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 of the directions issued by the Board. The Secretary of the Advisory Committee has to get the approval of the Department for the collection of funds, against sealed coupons with the seal of the Assistant Commissioner. The Secretary has to ensure that such coupons are used only as per the permission granted by the Board. The Secretary has to close 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. The Treasurer of the Committee has to ensure that proper accounts 22 DBP No.37 of 2024 are maintained for the income and expenditure and that the income and expenditure of the Committee are with the approval of the Committee and with the knowledge of the President and the Secretary. 25. Clause (11) of Ext.P1 Rules, which deals with term of office of the Temple Advisory Committee, reads thus; ## “11. കാലാവധി ്ദഷ്ത്ര ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ ത്പവർ്ᩈനകാലാവധി സമിരിടയ ഡി്ᩔാർ്ടുടമന അുഗീക ി് രീയരി മ രൽ ്ി് വർഷ്ാലമായി ി് ു, വികസനതപവർ്ന്ളുടെ ്പ ി്ലാ, ഒെി്ുകൂൊനാകാ് ചെ് കളുടെ ്പ ി്ലാ ഉപ് ശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ കാലാവധി ഒ വർഷും കൂെി ദീർഘി്ᩔി്ച് നൽക വാൻ ് വസവും ക്മിഷണർ്ക ും വീ്ി ും ഒ വർഷും കൂെി ദീർഘി്ᩔി്ചു നൽക വാൻ ് വസവും ്ദ ാർഡിന ും അധികാ മ ്ിായി ി്ക ് ാണ്. എ്രാൽ ഉപ് ശകസമിരിയ ടെ കാലാവധി ് വർഷ്ിൽ കൂെ രൽ ദീർഘി്ി്ച് നൽക വാൻ പാെ ്രലല.” (underline supplied) 26. As per Clause (11) of Ext.P1 Rules, the term of the Temple Advisory Committee shall be two years from the date of approval of the Committee by the Department. The Devaswom Commissioner is empowered to extend the term of the Temple Advisory Committee for a further period of one year on the ground of any development works or unavoidable rituals. On the aforesaid grounds the Board can extend the term for a further period of one year. Clause (11) makes it explicitly clear that the term of the Temple Advisory Committee shall not be extended beyond two 23 DBP No.37 of 2024 ## years. 27. 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 ് 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 ് ാണ്.” (underline supplied) 28. 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. 29. Clause (18) of the Rules, which deals with prohibitions, reads thus; 24 DBP No.37 of 2024 ## “18.നി്ദ ാധനും |്ഷതര ഉപ്ശകസമിരി്യാ, അുഗ്്ളാ്ഷതര സ്ർശക ിൽ നി്ു| |---| |്ഷതര്ിന ്ിൽ വ്്യാടരാ പണപി ിവ കളുുനെ്ാൻ പാെില.| |്ഷതരാപ്ശകസമിരിയ ടെ ച മരലയിൽ ്ഷതര്ിന ്ിൽ നെ് ്| |ചെ് കളുടെ<br>്വദികളിൽ<br>പണു<br>സമാഹ ി്്<br>ിന| |കാണി്വ്ിക്ളാ,<br>പാതര്്ളാ<br>ടവᩄ്ാൻ<br>പാെിലാ്രാണ.| |്ഷതരവികസന<br>കാ യ്ൾ്്<br>്വ്<br>ഡി്ാർ്ുടമനടേ| |അന വാദ്്ാെ കൂെി<br>കൂ്ണ കൾ<br>അ്െി് ്്ാൾ<br>നി്ിരര ക| |് ഖട്െ ്ിയ<br>കൂ്ണ കൾ<br>മാതര്മ<br>അ്െി്ാൻ<br>പാെ ്ൂ.| |അസിേന<br>്വസവുക്ീഷണേ ടെ മ തദ പരി്ി്ാ്സീര കൾ| |യാടരാ കാ ണവശാല ുപണ്ി ിവിനഉപ്യാഗി്ാൻ പാെില.| |ഇരിന വി ്മായ തപവർ്ന്ൾ തശ<br>യിൽട്്ാൽസാ്്ിക| |തകമ്്ൊയി പ ിഗണി്് നിലവില ് നിയമ്ൾ അന സ ി്് കർശന| |നെപെികൾ<br>സവീക ി്ാന ്<br>അധികാ ു<br>് ാർഡിന| |ഉ്ായി ി് ്<br>ാണ.<br>ഉപ്ശകസമിരിയിടല<br>ഭാ വാഹിരവ്ില ു| |അുഗരവ്ില ു ഉൾട്െ ് ഒ വയ്ി്്ര െർ്യായി ്| |ക്ി്ിയ ടെ കാലാവധിയിൽ കൂെ രൽ സമിരിയിൽ ര െ ാൻ അർഹര| |ഉ്ായി ി്്<br>ല.<br>രി വിരാുകൂർ<br>്വസവു<br>് ാർഡിനടേ| |ഭ ണാധികാ ട്യ ു<br>നിയത<br>ണാധികാ ട്യ ു<br>സമിരി്്ാ,| |സമിരിയിടല<br>അുഗ്ൾ്്ാ<br>്ചാദയു<br>ടച്ാൻ<br>യാടരാ| |അവകാശവ ു<br>ഉ്ായി ി് ്<br>ല.<br>്വസവു<br>് ാർഡിനടേ| |ഭ ണ്ില ് ്ഷതര്ിടല ഉപ്ശകസമിരിയിൽ അുഗമായി്ു്| |ഒ ാൾ്്<br>അ്രകാലയളവിൽ<br>് ാർഡ<br>ഭ ണ്ില ്<br>മ്്| |്ഷതര്ളി്ല്യാ<br>ഏടര്ില ു<br>സവകാ യ<br>്ഷതര്ളി്ല്യാ| |ഉപ്ശകസമിരിയി്ലാ മ്ു ഭ ണസമിരിയി്ലാ അുഗമായി ി്ാൻ| |അർഹര ഉ്ായി ി് ്<br>ല.”<br>(underline supplied)| 30. 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 25 DBP No.37 of 2024 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 committees. 31. 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 noticed that, a reading of the provisions under Clause (9) of the Rules make it explicitly clear that the construction or repair or renovation work that has to be undertaken in a temple is not outside the purview of the Temple Advisory Committees constituted under Section 31A of the Act. It would certainly be open to the Travancore Devaswom Board to undertake such construction, repair or renovation work in a temple, directly by its Maramath Department. However, when the Board has chosen to undertake such construction or repair or renovation work in a temple through a committee, under the supervision of the officials in Maramath Department, it has to be undertaken through the Temple Advisory Committee constituted under Section 31A of the Act, under constant supervision and scrutiny by the concerned officers of the Board, in order to ensure that the activities of the committee is in compliance with the directions issued by the 26 DBP No.37 of 2024 Board. Therefore, the construction, repair or renovation work that has to be undertaken in a temple is not outside the purview of the Temple Advisory Committees constituted under Section 31A of the Act. 32. In **Sunil Kumar C. [2022 (4) KHC 663]** this Court noticed that the term of the Temple Advisory Committee is two years from the date of approval of the election by the Devaswom Commissioner, who has the authority to extend the term by one year in case of development works or unavoidable rituals in the temple. The Board has the power to extend the term by a further period of one year in case of development works or unavoidable rituals in the temple. In view of the prohibition contained in Clause (11) of the Rules, the term of the Temple Advisory Committee cannot be extended beyond the period of two years. a person, who is an office bearer or member of the Temple Advisory Committee is not eligible to continue as such, continuously exceeding the term of two Committees. As held by this Court in **Chandu K. v. Travancore Devaswom Board [2021 (3) KHC 379]** the power of the Devaswom Commissioner or the Board to extend the term of the Temple Advisory Committee shall not be exercised as a matter of course. The Devaswom Commissioner or the Board, as the case may be, shall call for a report regarding the 27 DBP No.37 of 2024 developmental works going on in the temple concerned or the unavoidable rituals to be carried out in the temple and apply its mind to the materials and take a decision as to whether extension of term has to be given or not. 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. 33. In terms of the directions issued by this Court in the order dated 03.06.2010 in W.P.(C)No.16438 of 2010, which was modified by the subsequent orders, the Travancore Devaswom Board has to seek approval of this Court for award of contract involving an expenditure of Rs.20 Lakhs and above. 34. As already noticed, in view of the provisions under the Act and also the law laid down in the decisions referred to supra, the Travancore Devaswom Board is duty bound to ensure proper administration, supervision and control of the Devaswoms under its management. The Board has a statutory duty to monitor whether its administrative officials and employees and also the employees connected with religious rites are functioning properly. The Board is duty bound to exercise proper supervision and control over the acts and proceedings of all officers and servants and to manage the properties and affairs of the Devaswoms and conduct 28 DBP No.37 of 2024 daily worships and ceremonies and also festivals in the temples according to its usage. Position of the Board in this regard is analogous to that of trustees, as held by this Court in **Ram Mohan** **Das [1975 KLT 55]** . Any improper act of the trustees could be questioned by a worshiper. The Board and those entrusted with the duty of managing the properties and affairs of the Devaswoms are duty bound to protect the properties of the deity from any wrongful claims, theft or misappropriation. Any such wrongful claims, theft or misappropriation with the passive or active collusion of the authorities concerned, which are acts of 'fence eating the crops' should be dealt with sternly. Since the deity being a perpetual minor, this Court has inherent jurisdiction to protect and safeguard the interest and properties of the deity and the doctrine of _parens patriae_ will also apply in the exercise of such jurisdiction. 35. In **Arjunan T.N. v. President, Temple Advisory Committee and others [2012 (4) KHC 155]** a Division Bench of this Court was dealing with a DBP registered on the basis of TDB Report No.39 of 2011 of the learned Ombudsman on a complaint made by the devotees of Kaippillikkavu Bhagavathi Temple, which is a temple under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board relating to purchase of 20 cents of land in front 29 DBP No.37 of 2024 of that temple, utilising the money collected from the devotees by the Temple Advisory Committee of that temple. The Tantri of the temple inaugurated the collection scheme. One Somanathan, who was dealing with the affairs of the Temple Advisory Committee, and Madhusoodhanan, registered a Trust in the name Sree Bhagavathi Seva Trust and the land was purchased in the name of that Trust utilising the funds collected from the devotees. The registration of the Trust was more than two months after the collection of funds and the property was got conveyed in favour of Madhusoodhanan, Somanathan and Raveendran on behalf of that Trust. The Division Bench held that the acquisition on behalf of Sree Bhagavathi Seva Trust is, obviously, in the form of a dedication to the deity of the temple concerned and such dedication has been made utilising the funds collected from the public at large, that too, by an entity acting on behalf of the people, who were prepared to make such dedication. For such collection, receipts have been issued by the Convenor of the Land Endowment Scheme, a conglomeration of well minded devotees. It has to be presumed that the benefit of such collection is for the purpose of the deity. Under such circumstances, the Division Bench held that the extent of 20 cents of land covered by document No.6540/2006 is an item of property which stands 30 DBP No.37 of 2024 dedicated in favour of the deity and the purchase of the land utilising the amounts was only for the sake of; in favour of; and, in the course of dedication to, the deity. The Travancore Devaswom Board holds all the properties of the temples under its control, in terms of the provisions of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act. Therefore, the Division Bench declared that the land covered by the aforesaid document and all structures standing thereon vest absolutely in the deity of Kaippallikkavu Bhagavathi Temple and those properties can only be managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Any person occupying such property, including Sree Bhagavathi Seva Trust, shall cease to occupy that parcel and it will be exclusively under the management and control of the Travancore Devaswom Board on behalf of the deity. 36. In view of the prohibitions contained in Clauses 9, 12 and 18 of the Rules (Bye-laws) for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in temples under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board, any collection of funds by the Temple Advisory Committee in connection with the conduct of temple festival or construction or repair or renovation work in the temple can only be made with the prior approval of the Travancore Devaswom Board, against sealed coupons issued by the Assistant 31 DBP No.37 of 2024 Commissioner. The Secretary of the Temple Advisory Committee 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. In view of the provisions contained in Clause 12 of the Rules, in the event of any specific financial irregularities in the activities of the Temple Advisory Committee, the Devaswom Commissioner shall have the absolute power to remove that Committee. Clause 18 of the Rules prohibits collection of funds by the Temple Advisory Committee in connection with any ceremonies in the temples by placing kanikka vanchies or hundis. No receipts without the seal of the Assistant Commissioner shall be used for collecting funds, when the Board has granted permission for collection of funds at the initiative of the Temple Advisory Committee. 37. In view of the law laid down by this Court in **Arjunan T.N. [2012 (4) KHC 155]** , the collection of funds by the Temple Advisory Committee, based on the approval granted by the Board, against receipts with the seal of the Assistant Commissioner, in connection with the conduct of temple festival or for construction, repair or renovation work in the temple, is collection of money in the name of the deity. The purpose of such collection is for the benefit of the deity. Therefore, the Board has to ensure that the 32 DBP No.37 of 2024 amounts collected by the Temple Advisory Committees in the temples under its management in connection with the conduct of temple festival or for construction, repair or renovation work in the temple, which are credited into the account of the Advisory Committee, are transferred to the Devaswom fund temporarily. Thereafter, adopting the method of issuing payment cheques from the Devaswom fund, on the basis of payment bills prepared by the Maramath wing of the Board, payments can be released to the contractor. If such a procedure is adopted, the supervision of the Maramath wing of the Board will be more effective and the work files can be kept in the Maramath wing, which can be subjected to regular audit by the State Audit Department, annually. In the instant case, we notice that the Board is undertaking the construction work for which the Temple Advisory Committee has agreed to contribute Rs.25 lakhs in two instalments. Based on the permission granted by the Board, the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner has issued sealed coupons and the Temple Advisory Committee collected a sum of Rs.14 lakhs from public, which has already been credited to the Devaswom fund vide Annexure VIII Challan dated 24.04.2023. Having considered the pleadings and materials on record and the submissions made at the Bar, we deem it appropriate to 33 DBP No.37 of 2024 dispose of this DBP by permitting the Board to proceed with the award of contract work regarding construction of Sadyalayam in Thrippuliyoor Devaswom in Aranmula Group. The entire income and expenditure in respect of the construction work would be subject to statutory audit. Sd/- **ANIL K. NARENDRAN, JUDGE** Sd/- **HARISANKAR V. MENON, JUDGE** bkn/-