SECRETARY, KSHETHRA SAMRAKSHANA SAMITHI, VAIKOM MAHADEVA TEMPLE UNIT Vs. TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This matter pertains to the affairs of the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. It was originally registered before this Court in connection with the "Vadakkupurathu Pattu" and "Kodiyarchana", conducted in the year 2013. Pursuant to the report submitted by the Ombudsman, this Court passed various orders at different points of time. Adv. Shri. S. Raj Mohan was appointed as the Advocate Commissioner to supervise the affairs. The Advocate Commissioner has discharged the duty, pursuing various activities also submitting reports as to the course of action proposed, conducted and which are still remaining to be dealt with. The learned Advocate Commissioner had volunteered to discharge all the duties without accepting any remuneration, also being a devotee of Vaikom Mahadeva Temple and a native of the said place.

(2.) After completion of the "Vadakkupurathu Pattu" and "Kodiyarchana", final report was submitted by the Advocate Commissioner which was accepted and he was discharged. But considering the various other tasks to be completed, this Court found it appropriate to avail the service of the Advocate Commissioner, who accordingly was required to continue as per the order dated 27.03.2015 and he was continuing accordingly.

(3.) During the pendency of the proceedings, the necessity to strengthen the Strong room, Cherukaripura and Vilakumadam and such other aspects were brought to the notice of this Court by filing various reports by the Commissioner. It was also pointed out that some excess amount was available in connection with the "Kodiyarchana" and "Vadakkupurathu Pattu" (to an extent of nearly Rs. 64 lakhs) and that the existing dilapidated toilet complex could be reconstructed utilizing a portion of the said amount. It was accordingly, that nearly Rs. 40 lakhs was allotted under this segment and the reconstruction was completed. Since the tenure of the Temple Advisory Committee was over, steps were being pursued to reconstitute a fresh Committee. However, it was brought to the notice of this Court by the learned Advocate Commissioner that some amendment to the bye-laws was necessary and it was accordingly, that the parties were relegated to move the Ombudsman for suggesting the ways and means. It is stated by the learned standing counsel for the Devaswom Board that the relevant aspects have been discussed and some suggestions have been made by the learned Ombudsman. The same is being considered in the Board Meeting scheduled today and it is stated that the matter will be finalized within a couple of weeks.