On Friday, the Kerala High Court stayed an order of the Malabar Devaswom Board (MDB) that permitted shrine officials volunteering to attend the Global Ayyappa Sangam to use temple funds for their travel and food expenses.
The interim direction was passed by the Bench of the High Court on a plea filed by a clerk at a temple in Kasaragod. The petitioner challenged the September 18 order of the Devaswom Commissioner authorising divisional Inspectors and temple executive officers from various regions to utilise temple funds to cover travel, food, and vehicle expenses for the conclave. The Global Ayyappa Sangamam is being organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board in association with the Kerala government at Pampa.
The petitioner argued that temple funds are trust property belonging to the deity and devotees, with the State acting only as a statutory trustee, and thus cannot be diverted for unrelated purposes. He also pointed out that several temples under the Board are already facing financial shortages, including delays in payment of salaries and statutory benefits, making such diversion of funds arbitrary, unreasonable, and violative of devotees’ fundamental rights.
The Court observed that the plea raised serious questions regarding the fiduciary nature of temple funds and the legality of their diversion for purposes not directly connected to the upkeep of temples or performance of rituals. Notices were issued to the State government, the Devaswom Commissioner, and the Board to present their stand.
The Court put the September 18 order on hold and ruled that temple funds cannot be used to cover any expenses for the Global Ayyappa Sangam pending further directions.
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