Kochi, February 11 The Kerala High Court on Wednesday noted that there were several issues and "serious inconsistencies" in the audit report of the Global Ayyappa Sangam held last year and directed the TDB to explain the reasons for the same.
A bench of justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar also noted that the monetary value of certain items, such as 'aravana', appam, vibhuti, kumkum, and sandalwood, given to devotees and participants at the event, had not been accounted for in the accounts.
The court directed that the relevant information be obtained from the Kerala State Audit and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), so that appropriate orders could be issued, and listed the matter for February 27.
The audit report was presented to the court as directed, while dismissing petitions challenging the Global Ayyappa Sangam.
After reviewing the report, the bench said it highlighted various issues, including the execution of work given to the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC) without a tender or bidding process, along with an additional 10% for facilitating or administrative charges.
According to the report, there were also "serious inconsistencies" in the calculation of the estimated bill of quantity, particularly regarding wooden frame center tables, food serving charges in VIP areas, and cost-plus expenditure, the bench noted.
"There were also issues related to GST input credit," the court said.
The observations and directions of the bench came in response to a plea initiated by the court itself, based on the audit report.
