The Kerala High Court on Wednesday sought an explanation from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) about the alleged inconsistencies in the conduct of Global Ayyappa Sangamam that was held at Sabarimala in September 2025.
A division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar on Wednesday noted that there were several issues and serious inconsistencies in the audit report of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam held last year and directed the TDB to explain the reasons for the same. The court also sought inputs from the Kerala State Audit department in this regard.
An independent auditor report said the TDB was responsible for the preparation and presentation of the financial statements relating to the event. The report highlighted certain inconsistencies the TDB ought to explain before the court, the bench observed
“In the auditor’s statement, certain issues have been highlighted for which it is for the Travancore Devaswom Board to explain before us the reasons for the arising of such issues… Having gone through the auditor’s statement, which is prepared in pursuance to the directions of this Court, we are of the view that certain inputs can be received from the Kerala State Audit as well as the Travancore Devaswom Board so that appropriate directions can be issued,” the bench said.
The court on Wednesday perused the auditor’s report, which had noted certain irregularities in the accounts for the event. It recorded that as per the audit report, the execution of the work was entrusted to the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC) without following any tender or competitive bidding procedure. Further, it was also noted that with respect to items and assets, which were procured out of lump sum, no supporting document evidencing transfer was made available to the auditor.
Further, it was noted that with respect to items and assets, which were procured out of lump sum, no supporting document evidencing transfer was made available to the auditor.
“It is further seen that from the Board’s stock, items such as 4100 units of Aravana, 4100 packets of Appam, 4100 packets of Vibhuti, 4100 packets of Manjal, Kumkumam, 4100 units of Adhishistam ghee, and 1 kg of sandalwood were issued for distribution to the participants of the Sangamam and devotees. It is said that the monetary value of the said items has not been accounted for in the books of account,” the court remarked.
The court, after noting the irregularities, asked the State Audit Department and the Devaswom Board for its inputs. The case is posted after 10 days.