Kerala High Court directs probe into ‘suspicious fund transfers’ by TDB staff

The Kerala High Court (HC) has directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to conduct a probe into alleged suspicious fund transfers by staff employed at Sabarimala during the 2025–26 Mandalam-Makaravilakku season.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar issued the direction on Thursday (February 12, 2026) while considering a suo motu plea based on a report filed by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner regarding alleged financial irregularities by casual labourers and permanent staff posted at the temple. The executive officer had reportedly received confidential information in this regard, following which the vigilance officer conducted a discreet inquiry. Financial data relating to deposits made from November 17 onwards were collected from post offices and banks as part of the inquiry.

It was found that two employees had remitted over ₹1 lakh each, while three others had transferred ₹25,000 each. The individuals concerned subsequently failed to appear for questioning.

Observing that the allegations were serious, 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 scrutiny and ascertain the extent of any fraudulent activity or suspicious fund transfers. A report is to be filed within three weeks.

The matter has been posted for hearing on March 11.