Kochi, 27 July (H.S.)The Kerala High Court has expressed serious concern over significant shortcomings in the audit of the Guruvayur Devaswom, directing authorities to ensure greater transparency in the temple's financial administration, including its online offerings and digital transactions.

During the hearing, the court instructed the Deputy Director of the State Audit Department to appear in person on Tuesday and submit a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the audit conducted so far. The official has also been directed to explain the major deficiencies identified, the obstacles faced during the audit and the measures required to address them.

The direction came after the State Audit Department informed the court that the Guruvayur Devaswom had failed to provide several records necessary for conducting a proper audit. According to audit officials, repeated requests for documents were met with objections and delays, hindering effective scrutiny of the temple's financial and administrative operations.

The audit department also pointed out that although several services, including receipts for important temple offerings, have been shifted to digital platforms, auditors have not been provided with the login credentials needed to verify online transactions. The lack of access, the department said, has made it impossible to independently audit digital financial records and ensure accountability.

Another major concern highlighted before the court was that the annual physical verification of the temple's valuable assets has not been conducted for the past 43 years, despite rules mandating concurrent audits. Audit officials said registers relating to gold ornaments, bronze vessels, saffron, valuables received as offerings and other temple assets were either incomplete or not properly maintained.

Taking note of these findings, the High Court ordered a detailed examination of the temple's audit system and emphasised the need for greater transparency, proper maintenance of records and strict adherence to auditing procedures. The court underscored that robust auditing and accountability mechanisms are essential to safeguard the assets, offerings and finances of one of Kerala's most prominent and wealthy temples.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman