Kerala High Court Expresses Dismay Over Cochin Devaswom Board's Luxury Spending
· India · The Hindu, Indian Express
The Kerala High Court has expressed strong disapproval after learning that the Cochin Devaswom Board spent ₹28.44 lakh on quarters and a vehicle for Board Commissioner S.R. Udayakumar in violation of rules. The Division Bench of Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar noted that the funds were spent on the luxuries and comforts of its officers. Details submitted to the court show that the expenditure included ₹8.24 lakh for civil repairs, ₹1.32 lakh for electrical works, ₹4.23 lakh for household items and furniture, and ₹14.63 lakh for a new vehicle. Additionally, the court noted that ₹12.78 lakh remained payable to the contractor for the repair work carried out. The court directed the Kerala State Audit department to complete the Board's audit for 2023-24 within three months and ordered the Board to report on finalising audit objections within one month.
Why it matters
This ruling holds public temple administrative boards accountable for financial irregularities and unauthorized spending of institutional funds on personal luxuries.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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