Kerala High Court expresses dismay over Cochin Devaswom Board spending ₹28.44 lakh on official’s quarters, vehicle

Kerala High Court expresses dismay over Cochin Devaswom Board spending ₹28.44 lakh on official's quarters, vehicle Court orders Kerala State Audit department to complete CDB's 2023-24 audit within three months.

Notably, the Kerala High Court disposed of the petition by recording its solid disapproval of the actions of the Board and its top office-holders in spending the Board's funds on the luxuries and comforts of its officers in violation of the law.

Notably, the Kerala High Court has expressed shock and dismay over the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) incurring expenses amounting to ₹28.44 lakh on the repair of residential quarters and purchase of a vehicle and household articles for Board Commissioner S.R. Udayakumar, in violation of rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, a Division Bench of Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar observed the irregularities flagged by the Deputy Director, Kerala State Audit department, and ordered the department to conclude the audit of the Board for 2023-24 within three months. The Board was additionally asked to report within one month on the proceedings issued by it to finalise the audit objections.

Meanwhile, the petition alleged that a significant amount of the Board's allocated budget was spent on renovating the residential quarters allotted to Mr. Udayakumar. A total of ₹8.24 lakh was spent on civil repair works, ₹1.32 lakh on electrical works, ₹4.23 lakh on household items and furniture, and ₹14.63 lakh on a new vehicle. Furthermore, ₹12.78 lakh was payable to the contractor for the repair work he had carried out.

Taken together, the developments around kerala High Court expresses dismay over Cochin Devaswom Board spending ₹28.44 lakh point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.