LI Network
Published on: 16 September 2023 at 17:38 IST
The Kerala High Court has directed the Special Commissioner of Sabarimala to conduct an inspection of the donor buildings and submit a preliminary report by September 20, 2023.
The directive comes in response to a Discretionary Beneficiary Programme (DBP) registered based on the report of the Ombudsman, initiated through a petition filed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
The petition sought approval for the renovation of donor buildings located at Sabarimala through sponsorship, the construction of an ornamental gate at Pamba, and the implementation of revenue-generating schemes.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Sophy Thomas issued the order, stating, “Having perused the report of the learned Ombudsman, we deem it appropriate to direct the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, to conduct an inspection of the donor buildings and submit a preliminary report before this Court, along with a few photographs, by 20.09.2023.”
Standing Counsel represented the petitioner, the Travancore Devaswom Board, while Senior Government Pleader S. Rajmohan represented the respondents.
Regarding the work related to the “Smart Roof for the Holy Steps at Sabarimala Sannidhanam,” the opinion of the Tanthri (head priest) was presented along with a memo filed by the Standing Counsel.
The Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950, enacted by the State Legislature, outlines provisions for the administration, supervision, and control of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms (Hindu religious institutions) and other Hindu Religious Endowments and Funds.
As per Section 3 of the Act, the administration of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms falls under the jurisdiction of the Travancore Devaswom Board.
In compliance with Section 15A of the Act, the Board is entrusted with various functions, including ensuring the prompt performance of traditional rites and ceremonies, monitoring the proper functioning of administrative officials, employees, and those involved in religious rites, maintaining and uplifting Hindu religious institutions, and establishing adequate facilities in temples for devotees.
Consequently, the High Court has scheduled further consideration of the matter for September 20, 2023.
Case Title: Travancore Devaswom Board v. The Deputy Director, Local Fund Audit, Thiruvananthapuram & Anr.
