Kochi: The Kerala High Court has praised the reform measures introduced by the Thiruvithamcore Devaswam Board to prevent financial irregularities and discrepancies in stock records related to the sale of 'Aadiyashishta Neyy' at Sabarimala. The Court observed that if the reforms designed to ensure transparency and accurate accounting at every stage—from storage and packaging to distribution and sales—are effectively implemented, it could significantly curb irregularities.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar expressed satisfaction over the steps taken by the Devaswam Board. The Court underscored the necessity of scientific and technology-driven systems to confirm consistency between the actual stock of Neyy and the income generated from its sales.
The Bench highlighted that the complete implementation of the new reforms would considerably reduce the scope for artificial manipulation of accounts and protect the revenue rightfully due to the Devaswam Board. Among the key reforms is the introduction of a system for scientifically measuring the quantity of Neyy stored in tanks.
The Board has decided to install digital flow meters to precisely determine the quantity of Neyy remaining in existing storage tanks and to record in real time the volume of Neyy flowing into packaging machines. This would enable direct comparison between the Neyy transferred from storage tanks to packing sections and the amount packed and prepared for sale. The Board informed the Court that preliminary steps towards implementing scientific measurement are already underway.
Plans are also in place to fully computerize records of Neyy’s arrival, storage, packaging, distribution, and sales. Structuring the recorded data at each stage for mutual verification will allow identification and examination of any variances in stock.
The Court assessed that the new system will help ensure accurate reconciliation of the total Neyy received, stock in storage, distribution volume, and revenue collected from sales. Significant changes will also be introduced in the operations of Neyy sales counters. Different employees will be assigned the responsibilities of ticket issuance and Neyy distribution to eliminate potential irregularities arising when a single staff member handles multiple stages.
Employees’ duty hours and shifts at sales counters will be pre-scheduled, precisely recorded, and shift handovers—including details of stock on hand and related documentation—will be logged in a designated register. The reform package also includes implementing individual login credentials for staff managing online bookings and Neyy distribution. This will enable tracking of who handled each transaction and when, aiding in accountability and resolution of any future complaints or doubts.
In addition to maintaining expense and stock registers in a prescribed format, the Board has resolved to conduct periodic physical stock audits. These audits will verify whether the quantity of Neyy recorded in the documents matches the actual volume held in storage. Any loss, wastage, or damage to Neyy will be separately documented along with the reasons. Incorporating such losses into accounts is expected to reduce the chance of financial irregularities disguised as stock discrepancies.
The Board aims to develop a fully integrated computerized system linking all processes—from Neyy preparation, storage, measurement, packaging, and distribution, to revenue accounting. This will facilitate more efficient monitoring of Neyy movements and financial transactions, as well as provide essential data for inspections.
The Court’s proceedings arose from a suo motu case registered based on a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, which alleged revenue irregularities in the sale of Aadiyashishta Neyy at Sabarimala. The Division Bench also considered a subsequent petition following an interim report by the State Audit Department reviewing Neyy sales and revenue accounts during the recent Mandalam–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
It was while deliberating these cases that the Court commended the Devaswam Board for the measures taken to prevent recurrence of irregularities. The Court’s observations emphasized that establishing a system ensuring precise accounting of every drop of Neyy and corresponding revenue will strengthen transparency and accountability in the Devaswam Board’s financial dealings.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
