The Kerala High Court (HC) has ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Senior Director of Vigilance and Security to investigate the alleged suspicious transfers of funds by employees employed at Sabarimala during the 2025-26 Mandalam-Makaravilakku season.
A division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar issued the direction on Thursday (February 12, 2026) while considering a suo motu application based on a report filed by Special Commissioner Sabarimala regarding alleged financial irregularities by casual laborers and permanent employees posted at the temple. The executive officer is said to have received confidential information in this regard, following which a discreet inquiry was conducted by the patrol officer. Financial data relating to deposits made since November 17 was collected from post offices and banks as part of the investigation.
Two employees were found to have transferred more than ₹1,000 each, while three others had transferred ₹25,000 each. The persons concerned subsequently did not appear for questioning.
Considering the serious nature of the allegations, the court directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer to obtain a database of all employees who were on duty at the Sannidhanam during the relevant period to facilitate a comprehensive check and ascertain the extent of any fraudulent activity or suspicious transfers of funds. The report is due within three weeks.
The matter was posted for hearing on March 11.
Published – 12 Feb 2026 20:38 IST