Kerala High Court
*Prin Prasad vs Travancore Devaswom Board on 1 August, 2025
Author: Anil K.Narendran
Bench: Anil K.Narendran
1
DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL K.NARENDRAN
&
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MURALEE KRISHNA S.
FRIDAY, THE 1ST DAY OF AUGUST 2025 / 10TH SRAVANA, 1947
DBP NO. 27 OF 2025
IN THE MATTER OF TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD - REPORT 22/2025 IN
COMPLAINT NO.24/2025 - ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE OFFICE BEARERS OF THE
TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF ASTHAMANGALAM SREE MAHA VISHNU - SREE
BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE OF PUNALUR GROUP OF TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD - SUO
MOTU PROCEEDINGS INITIATED - REG
PETITIONER/COMPLAINANTS:
1 PRIN PRASAD,S/O.RAJENDRAPRASAD, NARAYANA MANDIRAM, MANIYAR
P.O., PUNALUR.
2 ADARSH A,S/O.AJAYAKUMAR, AKHIL BHAVAN, MANIYAR P.O.,
PUNALUR.,[PRIN PRASAD & OTHERS ARE SUO MOTU CORRECTED AS
ABOVE AS PER ORDER DATED 11/07/2025 IN DBP.NO.27/2025]
RESPONDENTS:
1 TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD,REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY,
KAWDIAR POST, NANTHANCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695003
2 DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER,TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD,
NANTHENCODE, KAWDIAR POST, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695003
SRI.S RAJMOHAN, SR. GP
SRI.G.SANTHOSH KUMAR, SC, TDB
SRI.P RAMACHANDRAN, AMICUS CURIAE
THIS DEVASWOM BOARD PETITION WAS FINALLY HEARD ON 11.07.2025, ALONG
WITH WPC 12549 OF 2025, THE COURT ON 1.08.2025 PASSED THE FOLLOWING:
2
DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL K.NARENDRAN
&
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MURALEE KRISHNA S.
FRIDAY, THE 1ST DAY OF AUGUST 2025 / 10TH SRAVANA, 1947
WP(C) NO. 12549 OF 2025
PETITIONER:
JIJENDRAN S. R, AGED 42 YEARS
S/O SIVARAJENDRAN D.S., SAILENDRA BHAVAN, ERAMTHU,
MANIYAR P.O., PUNALUR. KOLLAM, PIN - 691333
BY ADV SRI.K.R.ARUN KRISHNAN
RESPONDENTS:
1 TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD
REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, DEVASWOM HEAD QUARTERS,
NANTHANCODE, KOWDIAR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN -
695003
2 THE DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER
DEVASWOM COMMISSIONERATE, NANTHANCODE, KOWDIAR P.O.,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001
3 THE DEPUTY DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER (P& SGRC)
DEVASWOM COMMISSIONERATE, NANTHANCODE, KOWDIAR P.O.,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001
4 THE ASSISTANT DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER,
PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691305
5 THE SUB GROUP OFFICER
ASHTAMANGALAM SUB GROUP, ASHTAMANGALAM DEVASWOM,
PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691305
3
DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098
6 THE CHIEF VIGILANCE AND SECURITY OFFICER
THE TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD DEVASWOM HEAD QUARTERS,
NANTHANCODE, KOWDIAR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN -
695003
7 THE TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, ASHTAMANGALAM SREE
MAHAVISHNU-SREE BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, MANIYAR P.O.,
PUNALUR, PIN - 691333
8 JYOTHINATH, S/O BHASKARAN PILLAI, NANDAVANAM,
THOLIKODE, MANIYAR P.O., PUNALUR, PIN - 691333
9 ARUNKUMAR, RUDRANIYIL, ERICHEEKAL, MANIYAR P.O.,
PUNALUR, PIN - 691333
10 VINOD M.R, S/O RAJAN, NARAYANA NIVAS, MANIYAR P.O.,
PUNALUR, PIN - 691333
11 ANANTHAKUMAR, S/O SOMANATHAN PILLAI, ASHTAMANGALAM,
MANIYAR P.O., PUNALUR, PIN - 691333
12 PRABHA K, W/O MANIKUTTAN, VISHNUBHAVAN, ASHTAMANGALAM,
MANIYAR P.O., PUNALUR, PIN - 691333
13 PREMCHAND, S/0 PRAKSH KUMAR, MOHANAVILASAM,
ERICHEEKAL, MANIYAR P.O., PUNALUR, PIN - 691333
14 PRIN PRASAD, AGED 45 YEARS
S/O RAJENDRAPRASAD, NARAYANAMANDIRAM, MANIYAR P.O.,
PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691333
15 ADARSH A, S/O AJAYAKUMAR, ABHIL BHAVAN, MANIYAR P.O.,
PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691333
16 V. RAJEEV, S/O VISWAMBHARAN RAJESH VILASAM,
ERICHIKKAL, MANIYAR P.O., PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN -
691333
17 PADMAKUMAR, S/O THULASEEDHARAN ACHARI, VILAYIL
MELETHIL, MANIYAR P.O., PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691333
18 VIPIN V, S/O VENUGOPAL, VIPIN NIVAS, MANIYAR P.O.,
PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691333
4
DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098
19 BINU M, S/O MADHAVAN NAIR, BINDHU BHAVAN, ERICHIKKAL,
MANIYAR P.O., PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691333
20 RAJNEESH KUMAR M, S/O MOHANAN PILLAI, THADATHIL
MELETHIL VEEDU, MANIYAR P.O., PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN -
691333
21 UNNIKRISHNAN NAMBOOTHIRI, THE SUB GROUP OFFICER,
ASHTAMANGALAM SUB GROUP, ASHTAMANGALAM DEVASWOM,
PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691305
22 THE STATE OF KERALA
REPRESENTED BY THE SPECIAL SECRETARY, REVENUE
(DEVASWOM) DEPARTMENT, 1ST FLOOR, ANNEX-II, GOVERNMENT
SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -695001
23 SENIOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR
TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM AUDIT, KERALA STATE AUDIT
DEPARTMENT DEVASWOM HEAD QUARTERS, NANTHANCODE,
KOWDIAR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -695003.[ADDL R22
&R23 ARE IMPLEADED AS PER THE ORDER DATED 03/04/2025
IN I.A.NO.1/2025 IN WP(C)12549/2025]
BY ADVS.
SRI.G.SANTHOSH KUMAR (P).
SRI.H.VISHNUDAS
SRI.K.SUDHINKUMAR
SRI.S RAJMOHAN, SR.GP
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) WAS FINALLY HEARD ON 11.07.2025
ALONG WITH DBP NO.27 OF 2025, THE COURT ON 1.8.2025 PASSED THE
FOLLOWING:
5
DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098
ORDER/JUDGMENT
Muralee Krishna, J.
W.P.(C) No.12549 of 2025 is filed by a devotee of Ashtamangalam Sree Mahavishnu-Sree Bhagavathy Temple under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board, under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking the following reliefs:
"(i) to issue a Writ of Certiorari or such other appropriate writ, order or direction quashing Ext. P8 Order No.R.O.C 4033/23/NS2 dated 10.01.2025 issued by the 3 rd respondent on behalf of the 2nd respondent as it is arbitrary, illegal and unjust;
(ii) to issue a writ of Mandamus or such other appropriate writ, order or direction to the 2nd respondent to consider Ext.P5 request made by the petitioner and others dated 06.01.2025 as expeditiously as possible within a time period that may be fixed by this Hon'ble Court;
(iii) to issue a writ of Mandamus or such other appropriate writ, order or direction to the 7th respondent to consider Ext.
P6 complaint filed by the petitioner and to take necessary action on the same as expeditiously as possible within a time period that may be fixed by this Hon'ble Court;
(iv) to issue a writ of Mandamus or such other appropriate writ, order or direction to the 2nd respondent to dissolve the 7th respondent Temple advisory committee and to take steps to elect a new advisory committee to the 6 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 Ashtamangalam Sree Mahavishnu-Sree Bhagavathy Temple."
2. Going by the averments in the writ petition, the Petitioner is a devotee of the Ashtamangalam Sree Mahavishnu-Sree Bhagavathy Temple under the Ashtamangalam Sub Group in Punalur Group of the Travancore Devaswom Board. He is an ardent devotee and participant in the day-to-day rituals in the temple. The 7th respondent Temple Advisory Committee came into existence in February 2023, and its term expired on 25.02.2025. The petitioner and other devotees have objected the activities of the committee, where they have flouted the Bye-Law published by the 1st respondent Devaswom Board. There are allegations of financial mismanagement and violation of the rituals by the members of the Committee. Owing to dissent among the members of the committee, respondents 13 to 19 resigned from the committee as members and issued Ext. P2 Resignation Letter dated 13.11.2024 to the 2nd respondent. In the Devaprasnom conducted in the year 2024, it was found that there are some defects in the Kodimaram. The Committee, without any discussions in the General body and in their own interest, removed 7 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 the base of the Kodimaram. The petitioners and others have filed complaints against the affairs of the committee as seen in Ext. P5 and Ext. P6. The 3rd respondent, on behalf of the 2nd respondent, without considering any of these aspects, extended the term of the committee for a further period of six months by Ext. P8 order. The same is against the Bye Law of the Board and the Law laid down by this Court in Chandu K. v. Travancore Devaswom Board [2021 (3) KHC 379] and in DBP No. 17 of 2025 [2025:KER:20024]. Hence, the petitioner filed the Writ Petition.
3. On 27.03.2025, when the writ petition came up for consideration, this Court directed the petitioner to file an application to implead the State of Kerala represented by the Special Secretary to Government, Revenue (Devaswom) Department and also the Senior Deputy Director, Kerala State Audit Department, Travancore Devaswom Board Audit as additional respondents in the writ petition. The learned Standing Counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board took notice for respondents 1 to 6. Urgent notice on admission by special messenger was ordered to respondents 7 to 21, returnable by 8 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 03.04.2025. The learned Standing Counsel was directed to get instructions.
4. On 03.04.2025, additional respondents 22 and 23 were impleaded in the writ petition as per the order in I.A. No.1 of 2025 filed by the petitioner. Respondents 7 to 13, 14 to 17 and 18 to 20 entered appearance through respective counsel. The learned Senior Government Pleader entered appearance for additional respondents 22 and 23. The learned Standing Counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board and the learned counsel for the party respondents sought time to file counter affidavit.
5. Respondents 1 to 6 filed a counter affidavit dated 08.04.2025, producing therewith Exts.R1(a) to R1(i) documents and opposing the reliefs sought in the writ petition.
6. Respondents 7 to 13 and 18 to 20 filed a counter affidavit dated 09.04.2025 opposing the reliefs sought in the writ petition and producing therewith Exts R7(a) to R7 (k) documents.
7. Respondents 14 to 17 also filed a counter affidavit dated 01.07.2025, opposing the reliefs sought in the writ petition and producing therewith Exts.R14 (a) to R14 (e) documents. 9 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098
8. DBP No.27 of 2025 is registered suo motu based on the Report No.22 of 2025 filed by the learned Ombudsman for the Travancore and Cochin Devaswom Boards in complaint No.24 of 2025 filed by the respondents 14 and 15 in W.P.(C)No.12549 of 2025. The grievance of the petitioners in the complaint filed before the learned Ombudsman is also the same as that raised by the writ petitioner in W.P.(C)No.12549 of 2025. Therefore, we are inclined to consider the contentions of the parties in W.P.(C)No.12549 of 2025 and the DBP in this common judgment/order.
9. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner in W.P.(C)No. 12549 of 2025, the learned Standing Counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board, the learned counsel for respondents 7 to 14/ complainants in DBP No.27 of 2025, the learned counsel for the 7th respondent in the writ petition/Temple Advisory Committee and the learned Senior Government Pleader.
10. 'Deva' means God and 'swom' means ownership in Sanskrit and the term 'Devaswom' denotes the property of God in common parlance. [see: Prayar Gopalakrishnan and another 10 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 v. State of Kerala and others - 2018 (1) KHC 536].
11. 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. As per the provisions under S.3 of the Act, the administration of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms shall vest in the Travancore Devaswom Board. As per S.15A of the Act, 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. As per S.31 of the Act, subject to the provisions of Part I and the rules made thereunder, the Board shall manage the properties and affairs of the 11 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 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.
12. S.31A of the Act deals with the formation of the Temple Advisory Committees. As per sub-section (1) of S.31A of the Act, 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 S.31A, the Temple Advisory Committee constituted under sub- section (1) may be approved by the Board. As per sub-section (3) of S.31A, the composition of an Advisory Committee under sub- section (1) shall be in such manner as may be prescribed by the rules made by the Board, not inconsistent with any practice prevailing, if any. In terms of sub-section (3) of S.31A of the Act, the Travancore Devaswom Board framed the Rules for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in the temples under the management of the Board, with has been approved by this Court vide order dated 03.11.2011. in DBA No. 153 of 2009.
13. In exercise of the powers under sub-section (3) of S.31A 12 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 of the Act, the Travancore Devaswom Board framed Rules (bye-laws) for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in temples under its management, which was approved by this Court in the order dated 03.11.2011 in DBA No.153 of 2009.
14. Clause (2) of the Rules, which deals with objectives of the Temple Advisory Committees, read thus;
"2. ഉദ്ദേശ്യ ലക്ഷ്യങ്ങള് ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിദ്ദേയ ും, വിശ്വാസികള ടെയ ും പ ദ്ദ ാഗരിക്ക ദ്ദവണ്ടി ത്പവര്ത്ത്തിക്ക ക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രാചാ ങ്ങള ും പൂജാത്കമങ്ങള ും ശ്ാസതത്ര വിധിത്പകാ ും നെത്ത ന്നരിനത സഹായക മായ നിലപാെ കള് സവീക ിക്ക ക. ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിടേ ത്പശ്സ്തിക്ക ും അഭിവൃദ്ധിക്ക ും, പ ദ്ദ ാഗരിക്ക ും ദ്ദവണ്ടി പദ്ധരികള് ആവിഷത്ക്ക ിക്ക കയ ും ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡില് സമര്ത്പിക്ക കയ ും ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡിടേ അന വാദദ്ദത്താെ കൂെി ത്പാദ്ദയാഗികമാക്ക കയ ും ടചയ്യ ക. ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര ഉത്സവും, ചിറപത, ആട്ടവിദ്ദശ്ഷും, മാസവിദ്ദശ്ഷും മ രലായ വിദ്ദശ്ഷാല് അെിയന്തി ങ്ങള് ഡിപാര്ത്ട്ട ടമേ ത ഉദ്ദദയാഗസ്ഥ ടെ അന മരി വാങ്ങി ഭുംഗിയായ ും ചിട്ടയായ ും നെത്ത ക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര ദര്ത്ശ്നത്തിടനത്ത ന്ന ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങള്ക്കത ദ്ദവണ്ട സൗക യങ്ങള് ഒ ക്ക ന്നരിനത ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര അധികാ ികടള സഹായിക്ക ക, മന ഷയനന്മയതക്കത ഉരക ന്നര ത്തില് സനാരനധര്ത്മങ്ങള് ത്പച ിപിക്ക ക. ധയാനദ്ദയാഗങ്ങള്, നാമജപും, വിദ്ദശ്ഷാല് പൂജകള്, ഭക്തിത്പഭാഷണങ്ങള് ര െങ്ങിയവ ഡിപാര്ത്ട്ട ടമേ ത അന മരിദ്ദയാടെ സുംഘെിപിക്ക ക, ഭക്തജനങ്ങള്ക്കത അന്നദാനും ര െങ്ങിയ ദ്ദസവനും നെത്ത കയ ും അരിനത ത്പദ്ദചാദനും നല്ക കയ ും ടചയ്യ ക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രവ ും പ ിസ വ ും ശ് ചിയായി സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ന്നരിനത ദ്ദവണ്ട നെപെികള് സവീക ിക്ക ക, മഹാന്മാ ായ ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രവിശ്വാസികദ്ദളയ ും ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രകലാകാ ന്മാട യ ും ആദ ിക്ക ക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രസും ന്ധമായ ത്പവര്ത്ത്തനങ്ങള ും, ഉത്സവാദി അെിയന്തി ങ്ങള ും സ ഗമമാക്ക ന്നരിനത ഡിപാര്ത്ട്ട ടമേ ത അന മരിദ്ദയാടെ മാത്രും സുംഭാവനകള്, 13 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 ഇഷ്ടദാനും എന്നിവ ഭക്തജനങ്ങളില് നിന്ന ും സമാഹ ിക്ക ക."
(underline supplied)
15. 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 contributions or donations from the devotees for the smooth functioning of the temple activities and festivals only with the permission of the Department.
16. Clause (9) of the Rules deals with office bearers and their duties. Clause (9.1) deals with President, Clause (9.2) deals with Vice President, Clause (9.3.) deals with Secretary and Clause (9.4) deals with Treasurer. Clause (9) of the Rules reads thus;
"9. ഭാ വാഹികള ും, ച മരലയ ും 9.1. ത്പസിഡനതറത ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദയാഗങ്ങളില് അദ്ധയക്ഷ്ും വഹിക്ക ക, ദ്ദയാഗനെപെികള് ദ്ദ ഖടപെ ത്തിയ മിനിട്സി ല് ഒപത വച്ചത അുംഗീകാ ും നല്ക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദപ ില് ത്പസിഡനതറ ും ത്െഷററ ും കൂട്ടായി ഏടരങ്കില ും ഒ ദ്ദദശ്സാല്കൃര/ടഷഡയൂള്ഡത ാങ്കില് അക്കൗണ്ടത ര റക്ക ക, ദ്ദദവസവും ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡിനതടറ നിര്ത്ദ്ദേശ്ങ്ങള് അന സ ിച്ചത സമിരി ത്പവര്ത്ത്തിക്ക ന്ന എന്നത ഉറപ വ ത്ത ക, സമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദനരൃരവത്തില ള്ള പണപി ിവത സും ന്ധിച്ച ദ്ദമല്ദ്ദനാട്ടും വഹിക്ക ക, ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡത അുംഗീക ിക്ക ന്ന കാ യങ്ങള്ക്ക മാത്രും നിയമാന സൃരും ഫണ്ടത ടചലവാക്ക ന്ന ടവന്നത ഉറപ വ ത്ത ക, പണപി ിവത കഴിഞ്ഞാല െൻ രക നിയമാന സയരും ദ്ദജായിനതറത അക്കൗണ്ടില് നിദ്ദക്ഷ്പിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്നത ഉറപ വ ത്ത ക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രഉന്നമനത്തിന ഭക്തജന 14 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 സൗക യാര്ത്ഥും പദ്ധരികള് ആവിഷതക്ക ിച്ചത ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡിനതടറ അന മരിദ്ദയാടെ നെപാക്ക ക. എല്ാും അുംഗങ്ങള ടെയ ും വിശ്വാസവ ും സഹക ണവ ും കൂട്ടായ്മ യ ും ഉറപാക്കി അച്ചെക്കദ്ദത്താടെ ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരി ത്പവര്ത്ത്തിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്നത ഉറപ വ ത്ത ക.
9.2. വവസത ത്പസിഡനതറത ദ്ദയാഗങ്ങള് കൂെ ദ്ദപാള് ത്പസിഡനതറിനതടറ അഭാവത്തില് ദ്ദയാഗത്തിനത അദ്ധയക്ഷ്ും വഹിക്ക ക, ദ്ദയാഗ നെപെികള് നിയത്ന്തിക്ക ക, ദ്ദയാഗത്തിനതടറ മിനിട്സത ഒപത വച്ചത അുംഗീക ിക്ക ക. ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരി ത്പവര്ത്ത്തനങ്ങളില് ത്പസിഡനതറിടന സഹായിക്ക ക.
9.3. ടസകട്ടറി ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ വദനുംദിന ത്പവര്ത്ത്തനങ്ങള് നെത്ത ക, വ വ കള്ക്കത സീരത ടകാെ ക്ക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ അുംഗീകാ ത്തിനത വിദ്ദധയമായി ചിലവ കള് ടചയ്യ ക, ചിലവ കള്ക്കത വൗച്ചറ കള് എഴ രി സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക, വ വത ചിലവത കണക്ക കള് എഴ രി സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദപ ില ള്ള ാങ്കത അക്കൗണ്ടത, ടചക്ക ക്കത, മറ്റത റിക്കാര്ത്ഡ കള് മ രലായവ സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക. ദ്ദയാഗരീ മാനങ്ങള് മിനിട്സില് ദ്ദ ഖടപെ ത്തി ത്പസിഡനതറിനത ടറ വകടയാപത വാങ്ങി സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക. സമിരിയ ടെ അുംഗീകാ ദ്ദത്താടെ ദ്ദ ഖകള്, നിര്ത്ദ്ദദശ്ങ്ങള്, അറിയിപ കള്, അദ്ദപക്ഷ്കള് എന്നിവ ദ്ദദവസവും അധികൃരര്ത് മ പാടക സമര്ത്പിക്ക ക. സാപത്തിക സമാഹ ണവ ും മറ്റ ും നെത്ത ന്നരിനത ഡിപാര്ത്ട്ട ടമനതറിനതടറ അന മരി വാങ്ങിച്ചത ആവശ്യമായ കൂപൺ രയ്യാറാക്കി അസിസ്റ്റനതറത ദ്ദദവസവും കമീഷണറ ടെ സീല്വച്ചത സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക കയ ും അരത നിയമാന സൃരും ഉപദ്ദയാഗിക്ക ന്ന എന്നത ഉറപ വ ത്ത കയ ും ടചയ്യ ക, പണപി ിവ കള ടെയ ും വ വ ടചലവ കള ടെയ ും വാര്ത്ഷിക കണക്ക കള് ആഡിറ്റത നെത്തി എല്ാ വര്ത്ഷവ ും ഏത്പില് മാസും 30-ാാാും രീയരിയതക്കത മ പായി ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡത അധികൃര ടെ മ പാടക ഹാജ ാക്ക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ റിക്കാര്ത്ഡ കള് സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക, സമിരി നിര്ത്ദ്ദേശ്ിക്ക ന്നര ും, ദ്ദദവസവും ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡത നിശ്ചയിക്ക ന്നര മായ ദ്ദയാഗങ്ങളില് സമിരിടയ ത്പരിനിധീക ിക്ക ക, ത്പസിഡനതറിനതടറ നിര്ത്ദ്ദേശ്ാന സ ണും സമിരി ദ്ദയാഗങ്ങള് വിളിച്ചത കൂട്ട ക. 9.4. ത്െഷറര്ത് സമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദപ ില് ദ്ദജായിനതറത അക്കൗണ്ടത ര െങ്ങ ക, നിശ്ചിര ആവശ്യങ്ങള്ക്കായി സമാഹ ിക്ക ന്ന പണും അപദ്ദപാള് ാങ്കത അക്കൗണ്ടില് നിദ്ദക്ഷ്പിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്നത ഉറപ വ ത്ത ക. വ വ ടചലവ കള്ക്കത വൗച്ചറ കള് സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന ും, കണക്ക കള് കൃരയമായി ദ്ദ ഖടപെ ത്തി വയതക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന ും ഉപദ്ദയാഗിച്ച സീര കള ടെ കൗണ്ടര്ത് ദ്ദഫായില കള ും ഉപദ്ദയാഗിക്കാത്ത സീര കള ും ത്പദ്ദരയകും സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന ും ഉറപ വ ത്ത ക. ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ അുംഗീകാ ദ്ദത്താെ കൂെിയ ും ത്പസിഡനതറത, ടസത്കട്ടറി എന്നിവ ടെ അറിദ്ദവാെത കൂെിയ മാണത വ വത ടചലവ കള് നെത്ത ന്നടരന്നത ഉറപ വ ത്ത ക, അെിയന്തി ഘട്ടങ്ങളില് ഉപദ്ദയാഗിക്ക ന്നരിനത സമിരിയ ടെ രീ മാനത്തിനത വിദ്ദധയമായി ആയി ും ൂപയില് കവിയാത്ത ര ക വകവശ്ും 15 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 വയതക്ക ക. (underline supplied)
17. As per Clause (9) of the Rules, one of 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. 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 30th 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 16 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 and that the income and expenditure of the Advisory Committee is with the approval of the Committee and with the knowledge of the President and the Secretary.
18. Clause (18) of the Rules, which deals with prohibitions, reads thus;
"18.നിദ്ദ ാധനും ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിദ്ദയാ, അുംഗങ്ങദ്ദളാ ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര സന്ദര്ത്ശ്ക ില് നിന്ന ും ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിന ള്ളില് വച്ചത യാടരാ പണപി ിവ കള ും നെത്താൻ പാെില്.ദ്ദക്ഷ്ദ്ദത്രാപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ ച മരലയില് ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിന ള്ളില് നെക്ക ന്ന ചെങ്ങ കള ടെ ദ്ദവദികളില് പണും സമാഹ ിക്ക ന്നരിനത കാണിക്കവഞ്ചികദ്ദളാ, പാത്രങ്ങദ്ദളാ ടവയതക്കാൻ പാെില്ാത്തരാണത. ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രവികസന കാ യങ്ങള്ക്കത ദ്ദവണ്ടി ഡിപാര്ത്ട്ട ടമനത ടറ അന വാദദ്ദത്താെ കൂെി കൂപണ കള് അച്ചെിക്ക ദ്ദപാള് നിശ്ചിരര ക ദ്ദ ഖടപെ ത്തിയ കൂപണ കള് മാത്രദ്ദമ അച്ചെിക്കാൻ പാെ ള്ളൂ. അസിസ്റ്റനതറത ദ്ദദവസവും കമീഷണറ ടെ മ ത്ദ പരിപിക്കാത്ത സീര കള് യാടരാ കാ ണവശ്ാല ും പണപി ിവിനത ഉപദ്ദയാഗിക്കാൻ പാെില്. ഇരിനത വി ദ്ധമായ ത്പവര്ത്ത്തനങ്ങള് ത്ശ്ദ്ധയില്ടപട്ടാല് സാപത്തിക ത്കമദ്ദക്കൊയി പ ിഗണിച്ചത നിലവില ള്ള നിയമങ്ങള് അന സ ിച്ചത കര്ത്ശ്ന നെപെികള് സവീക ിക്കാന ള്ള അധികാ ും ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡിനത ഉണ്ടായി ിക്ക ന്നരാണത. ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയിടല ഭാ വാഹിരവത്തില ും അുംഗരവത്തില ും ഉള്ടപെ ന്ന ഒ വയക്തിക്കത ര െര്ത്ച്ചയായി ണ്ട കമിറ്റിയ ടെ കാലാവധിയില് കൂെ രല് സമിരിയില് ര െ ാൻ അര്ത്ഹര ഉണ്ടായി ിക്ക ന്നരല്. രി വിരാുംകൂര്ത് ദ്ദദവസവും ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡിനതടറ ഭ ണാധികാ ടത്തയ ും നിയത്ന്തണാധികാ ടത്തയ ും സമിരിദ്ദക്കാ, സമിരിയിടല അുംഗങ്ങള്ദ്ദക്കാ ദ്ദചാദയും ടചയ്യാൻ യാടരാ അവകാശ്വ ും ഉണ്ടായി ിക്ക ന്നരല്. ദ്ദദവസവും ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡിനത ടറ ഭ ണത്തില ള്ള ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിടല ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയില് അുംഗമായിട്ട ള്ള ഒ ാള്ക്കത അദ്ദരകാലയളവില് ദ്ദ ാര്ത്ഡത ഭ ണത്തില ള്ള മറ്റത ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രങ്ങളിദ്ദലദ്ദയാ ഏടരങ്കില ും സവകാ യ ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രങ്ങളിദ്ദലദ്ദയാ ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയിദ്ദലാ മറ്റ ഭ ണസമിരിയിദ്ദലാ അുംഗമായി ിക്കാൻ അര്ത്ഹര ഉണ്ടായി ിക്ക ന്നരല്." (underline supplied)
19. Clause (18) of the Rules prohibits the Temple Advisory Committee from collecting funds in connection with any 17 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 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.
20. 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 the provisions under Clause (18) of the Rules for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in temples under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board provide sufficient safeguards to prevent any illegal collection of funds by the Temple Advisory Committee for development activities in a temple.
21. In M.V. Ramasubbiar v. Manicka Narasimhachari [(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 the duty of the trustees of the property to be faithful to the Trust 18 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 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 the 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 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 19 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 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 the transaction in an indirect 20 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 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)
22. 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, require 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 21 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 misappropriation.
23. In Travancore Devaswom Board v. Mohanan Nair [(2013) 3 KLT 132] a Division Bench of this Court noticed that in A.A. Gopalakrishnan [(2007) 7 SCC 482] a Three-Judge Bench of 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 Division Bench further noticed that 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 is the guardian of the deity and apart from the revisional jurisdiction under Section 103 of the Kerala Land Reforms Act, 1963, the High Court has inherent jurisdiction and the doctrine of parens patriae will also apply in exercising the jurisdiction.
24. During the course of arguments, the learned counsel for the petitioner in W.P.(C)No.12549 of 2025 invited our attention to Ext.P6, a true copy of the complaint dated nil submitted by the petitioner before the Travancore Devaswom Board Vigilance 22 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 Department and the Annexures therein and submitted that the 7 th respondent Temple Advisory Committee is maintaining the account in the name of Punalur Rural Cooperative Society and collecting the fund in that name.
25. The term of the present Temple Advisory Committee of Ashtamangalam Sree Mahavishnu-Sree Bhagavathy Temple expired on 21.02.2025. By Ext.P8 order dated 10.01.2025 of the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, the period was extended from 21.02.2025 to 20.07.2025. It is for the purpose of completing the work of the flag mast of the Temple, the term of the present Temple Advisory Committee was extended.
26. The respondents 14 and 15 in their counter affidavit stated that against Ext.P8 order, they had filed W.P(C) No.4623 of 2025 before this court. However, when that writ petition came up for consideration, it was submitted before this court that respondents 18 to 20 withdrew their resignation. Under that circumstance, respondents 14 and 15 withdrew that writ petition with liberty to file a fresh writ petition. Subsequently, they approached the learned Ombudsman with the instant complaint. 23 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098
27. According to the petitioner in W.P.(C) No.12549 of 2025, the base of the flagmast was removed by the Temple Advisory Committee on 17.10.2024, without any announcement to the devotees and ignoring the earlier advice of the Thantri. As per the pleadings in paragraph 13 of the writ petition, respondents 13 to 19, who were members of the Temple Advisory Committee, resigned from the committee by Ext.P2 resignation letter dated 13.11.2024. It is further alleged in the writ petition that the present Temple Advisory Committee and the 5th respondent have joined hands and are working together against the interest of the temple. On 26.12.2024, when the devotees came to the temple for vilakku pooja in the chuttambalam, the 2 nd respondent and the present melsanthi of the temple, after receiving the charges for the pooja and giving a receipt, refused to conduct the pooja in the chuttambalam and directed the devotees to conduct the same in the auditorium. The 5th respondent had misbehaved with the devotees in arrogance. The petitioner, along with other devotees, filed Ext.P5 complaint dated 06.01.2025 before the 4 th respondent Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, regarding these aspects. 24 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 However, no action was taken on that complaint. It is during the pendency of Ext.P5 complaint, filed before the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner the period of the present Temple Advisory Committee was extended by virtue of Ext.P8 order. To a query made by this Court, the learned Standing Counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board submitted that a vigilance inquiry is going on against the Temple Advisory Committee.
28. From Ext.R1(a) opinion of the Thantri dated 30.07.2024, we notice that the opinion of the Tantri is to repair the existing flag mast. According to the petitioner, it was before getting the opinion of the Thantri, the decision was taken by the Board to repair the flag mast, to create a ground for extension of the period of the present Temple Advisory Committee. However, Ext.R1(i) decision would show that the Board has withdrawn the previous order dated 02.09.2024 and passed a fresh order on 18.01.2025 to change the existing flag mast.
29. Having considered the pleadings and materials on record, and the submissions made at the Bar, we notice that the extension of the period of the present Temple Advisory Committee 25 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 by Ext.P8 order by the 1st respondent Travancore Devaswom Board, from 21.02.2025 to 20.07.2025 is without considering the complaints against the Temple Advisory Committee and the resignation of some of the members of the committee, though few of them later withdrew the resignation. Whether a resignation, which once accepted, can be later withdrawn by a member of the Temple Advisory Committee is also a question of debate. The learned Senior Government Pleader at this juncture invited our attention to paragraph 5 of Ext.P5 complaint filed by the devotees, including the petitioner, wherein allegations are raised against the 21st respondent regarding misappropriation of a gold chain submitted by a devotee. The complaints against the Temple Advisory Committee, if found correct, are serious in nature.
In such circumstances, the writ petition and DBP are disposed of, directing the 4th respondent Assistant Devaswom Commissioner to transmit Ext.P5 complaint dated 06.01.2025 to the vigilance wing of Travancore Devaswom Board within a period of one week from the date of receipt of a copy of the Judgment/Order and the Vigilance wing of the Travancore 26 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 Devaswom Board to complete the inquiry initiated against the Temple Advisory Committee of Ashtamangalam Sree Mahavishnu
-Sree Bhagavathy Temple as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment; and in that inquiry, the allegation raised in Ext.P5 complaint shall also be taken into consideration. On completion of the inquiry, the Vigilance Department shall submit the report before the 2nd respondent Devaswom Commissioner, who shall take appropriate action in the matter in accordance with law. Till finalisation of the said proceedings, the administration of the temple shall be done directly by the Devaswom Board by dissolving the present Temple Advisory Committee, expeditiously, at any rate, within a period of one week from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.
Sd/-
ANIL K.NARENDRAN, JUDGE Sd/-
sks MURALEE KRISHNA S., JUDGE
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APPENDIX OF DBP NO.27 OF 2025
PETITIONERS ANNEXURES
ANNEXURE - O1 - COPY OF COMPLAINT
ANNEXURE -O2 - REPORT OF THE DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER DATED 26.3.2025 28 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 APPENDIX OF WP(C) 12549/2025 PETITIONER EXHIBITS Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOS OF THE KODIMARAM OF THE TEMPLE Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE RESIGNATION LETTER DATED 13.11.2024 Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT FILED BY SANTHAKUMARI BEFORE THE 2 ND RESPONDENT DATED 11.11.2001 Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT DATED 21.01.2002 ALONG WITH TYPED COPY Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT FILED BY THE PETITIONER AND OTHER DEVOTEES BEFORE THE 4TH RESPONDENT DATED 06.01.2025 Exhibit P6 TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT DATED NIL ALONG WITH THE TRANSACTION DETAILS Exhibit P7 TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTO SHOWING THE ACCOUNT DETAILS PUBLISHED IN THE TEMPLE PREMISES Exhibit P8 TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDINGS NO. R.O.C 4033/23/NS2 DATED 10.01.2025 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT ON BEHALF OF THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P9 TRUE COPY OF THE BYE- LAW OF THE TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ISSUED BY THE 1st RESPONDENT DATED 30.11.2011 RESPONDENT EXHIBITS Exhibit-R1(e) True copy of the report dated 23.11.2024 of the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, Punalur.
Exhibit-R1(a) True copy of the Letter of the Thanthri dated 30.07.2024.
Exhibit-R1(b) True copy of the Board order dated 02.09.2024.
Exhibit-R1(c) True copy of the Letter dated 05.10.2024 of the thanthri.
Exhibit-R1(d) True copy of the Letter dated 02.11.2024 of the sthapathi.
Exhibit-R1(f) The report dated 04.01.2025 of the Assistant Engineer to the 4th respondent to the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, Punalur.
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DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098
Exhibit-R1(g) True Copy of the Report dated 04.01.2025
submitted by the Assistant Devaswom
Commissioner, Punalur to the 2nd respondent. Exhibit-R1(h) True copy of the Report dated 25/01/2025 submitted by the 4th respondent.
Exhibit-R1(i) True copy of the Board Order dated 18/01/2025.
EXHIBIT R-7(a) A True copy of the Letter issued by the Thantri forwarded to the 4th Respondent dated 30-07-2024 EXHIBIT R-7(b) A True copy of the Order No.ROC.10556/24/M issued by the Devaswom Secretary dated 2-09- 2024 EXHIBIT R-7(d) A True Copy of the Order No.ROC.10566/24/M dated 18-01-2025 issued by Secretary EXHIBIT R-7(e) A True Copy of the Letter by Sri.Vipin.V dated 17-11-2024 submitted before the 4rth respondent EXHIBIT R-7(f) A True Copy of the Letter by Sri.Binu.M dated 17-11-2024 EXHIBIT R-7(g) A True Copy of the Letter by Sri.Rajneesh Kumar.M dated 17-11-2024 EXHIBIT R-7(h) A True Copy of the relevant page of the minutes of the General Body convened on 30- 12-2024 EXHIBIT R-7(i) A True Copy of the relevant page of the minutes of the General Body convened on 30- 12-2024 EXHIBIT R-7(j) A True Copy of the relevant page of the Manorma Newspaper Daily dated 22-03-2025 EXHIBIT R-7(k) A True Copy of the Photograph showing rituals of new teak wood for kodimaram installation dated nil EXHIBIT R-7(c) A true copy of the Letter issued by Thantri forwarded to the 4th Respondent dated 8-10- 2024 Exhibit-R14(a) True copy of the General Body notice dated nil issued by the 7th respondent committee Exhibit-R14(b) True copy of the complaint filed before the 2nd respondent dated 22.01.2025 Exhibit-R14(c) True copy of the Judgment dated 03.03.2025 in W.P(C) No. 4623/2025 of this Honourable Court Exhibit-R14(d) True copy of the Complaint No. 24/25 filed 30 DBP No.27 and WP(C)No.12549 of 2025 2025:KER:57098 before the Ombudsman dated 21.01.2025 Exhibit-R14(e) True copy of the relevant pages of the Thiruvulsavam Notice 2025