Kerala High Court orders audit overhaul for Guruvayur Devaswom

The Kerala High Court directed the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee to tighten audit procedures and improve financial transparency. A Division Bench led by Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar highlighted major gaps, including long delays in finalising accounts, a 43‑year lapse in physical verification of assets, and denial of auditor access to digital transaction systems such as e‑Hundis and online booking portals. The court noted that the Devaswom owes roughly Rs 14.72 crore in outstanding audit charges to the state.

To remedy these issues, the court ordered the committee to submit a schedule for clearing the dues, grant auditors read‑only access and login credentials for all online platforms within three weeks, provide necessary training and digital tools, maintain detailed audit logs, and hold regular coordination meetings with the State Audit Department. It also suggested hiring a consultant, such as the Centre for Management Development or the State e‑Governance Mission Team, to implement an integrated enterprise software solution for real‑time tracking of receipts, expenditures, donations, and assets, thereby restoring public confidence in the shrine’s administration.