Kerala High Court Orders Vigilance Investigation into Sabari Mala Temple Financial Irregularities

The Kerala High Court has initiated a vigilance investigation into financial irregularities at the Sabari Mala Temple, focusing on the alleged embezzlement of funds from the sale of 'Adiya Sishtam Ghee.' The court's findings reveal significant misappropriation, with over ₹35 lakh unaccounted for in just two months. The investigation highlights procedural flaws and negligence among temple staff, raising concerns about systemic failures and the need for urgent reforms in financial accountability. This case underscores the importance of trust and integrity at one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 09:50 IST

Court Takes Strong Stance on Financial Misconduct

The Kerala High Court has adopted a firm approach regarding financial irregularities at the Sabari Mala Temple. The court has mandated a high-level vigilance investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds generated from the sale of the sacred 'Adiya Sishtam Ghee' at the temple.

Overview of the Case

The ghee, offered by devotees at the Sabari Mala Temple, is sold at the temple's counter. It has come to the court's attention that employees of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) have reportedly embezzled the funds from these sales instead of depositing them into the board's treasury. The court discovered that over ₹35 lakh was not deposited into the government account within a mere two months (from November 15, 2023, to January 5, 2024).

Shocking Scale of Embezzlement

A chief vigilance report from the TDB revealed that 16,628 packets of ghee were sold without any payment being deposited, amounting to ₹13,67,900 from 13,679 packets. Additionally, from December 27, 2025, to January 2, 2026, a further loss of ₹22,65,500 occurred due to the sale of 22,565 packets. The bench characterized this as not merely negligence but as clear criminal embezzlement under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, warning that the short timeframe indicates a long-standing, large-scale theft of revenue.

Procedural Flaws and Employee Negligence

The court criticized the lack of security measures, such as stock-taking during counter handovers, irregular record-keeping, and delays in depositing money, which created opportunities for theft. Employee Sunil Kumar Potty faced particular ire for failing to issue receipts and for depositing ₹68,200 after a delay of 17 days; he has been suspended pending further action. Records from November 17 to December 26, 2025, indicated that the in-charge staff bore initial responsibility, and documentation diversion was likely concealed through negligence.

Court Directives and Timeline

A team of 'honest and capable officials' is required to file a case and submit a progress report to the court within one month, obtaining permission before any final closure. The bench emphasized accountability and the seriousness of the case, highlighting the 'deep-rooted systemic failures' in supervision. It suggested that senior officials were either aware, complicit, or willfully ignorant of these issues, labeling such negligence as a serious dereliction of duty.

Call for Comprehensive Investigation

The ruling criticized TDB staff for prioritizing personal gain over the trust of devotees, urging a thorough investigation into the extent of the misuse. The court noted that previous warnings regarding the careless handling of revenue were ignored, raising suspicions of collusion among board leadership. This scandal at one of India's holiest sites underscores the urgent need for financial accountability reforms during the pilgrimage season.