SC rejects Kerala temple trust’s plea for audit exemption

New Delhi, September 22

The Supreme Court today rejected Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Trust’s plea, seeking exemption from the audit for the past 25 years.

A three-judge Bench led by Justice UU Lalit said not only Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, but the temple trust would also be audited as per its 2020 judgment.

The trust, created by the erstwhile Travancore royal family, wanted it to be exempted from the audit.

Rejecting the plea, the Bench, however, said the audit should be completed as early as possible, preferably within three months.

“It is clear that the audit contemplated was not intended to be confined to the temple only, but with respect to the trust. This direction has to be seen in light of the reports of the amicus curiae in the case as recorded in the order dated 2015,” it said.

The administrative committee of the Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Kerala had, on September 17, told the top court that it was in great financial stress and the offerings were not sufficient to meet the temple’s expenses. — TNS