The Travancore Devaswom Board vs. The Deputy Director
Held
The High Court granted approval for both repair and maintenance works, noting the necessity was not controverted by the State Audit. The expenditure is subject to audit, and the Board must furnish any outstanding tender and register documents for the Audit's review before proceeding.
Facts
The Travancore Devaswom Board sought High Court approval for special repairs and maintenance of Sabari Guest House and Staff Quarters at Sabarimala, with estimated costs including 18% GST. The Ombudsman reported the works as essential due to the buildings' dilapidated condition, and tenders were invited. The State Audit Department verified documents and had no specific remarks on the necessity but requested further details.
Key Issues
The key legal issue was whether to grant approval for the essential special repair and maintenance works of the Sabari Guest House and Staff Quarters, considering the Ombudsman's report, the tender process, and the State Audit's remarks.
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HARISANKAR V. MENON MONDAY, THE 27TH DAY OF MAY 2024 / 6TH JYAISHTA, 1946 DBP NO.41 OF 2024 IN THE MATTER OF TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD- REPORT NO.18 OF 2024 IN PETITION NO.5 OF 2024-APPROVAL FOR THE WORK OF SPECIAL REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE OF SABARI GUEST HOUSE AT SABARIMALA - SUO MOTU PROCEEDINGS INITIATED-REG PETITIONER:
THE TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS EXECUTIVE ENGINEER SABARIMALA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, PATHANAMTHITTA
BY ADVS. SHRI.G.BIJU, SC, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD RESPONDENT: THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR LOCAL FUND AUDIT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695003
BY ADVS.
SRI.S.RAJMOHAN, SR. GOVT. PLEADER THIS DEVASWOM BOARD PETITION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 27.05.2024, ALONG WITH DBP.42 OF 2024, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
2 DBP Nos.41 and 42 of 2024
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HARISANKAR V. MENON MONDAY, THE 27TH DAY OF MAY 2024 / 6TH JYAISHTA, 1946 DBP NO.42 OF 2024 IN THE MATTER OF TRAVANCORE D
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