IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.R.RAMAN & THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.S.GOPINATHAN THURSDAY, THE 5TH MARCH 2009 / 14TH PHALGUNA 1930 DBA.No. 14 of 2009() -------------------- (IN THE MATTER OR APPROVAL AND SANCTION FOR PROVIDING COPPER SHEETED ROOF TO THE NALAMBALAM IN PANDALAM VALIAKOKKAL DEVASWOM IN ARANMULA GROUP). PETITIONER: -------------------- THE TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD, REP. BY ITS SECRETARY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. BY ADV. SRI.K.N.VENUGOPALA PANICKER, SC, TDB RESPONDENT(S): --------------- THE DEPUTY EXAMINER, LOCAL FUND AUDIT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. BY SR. GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI R. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN. THIS DEVASWOM BOARD APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 05/03/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING: P.R. RAMAN & P.S. GOPINATHAN, JJ. ----------------------------------------- D.B.A. No.14 of 2009 ----------------------------------------- Dated: MARCH 5, 2009 ORDER Raman, J. This is an application seeking sanction for providing copper sheeted roof to the Nalambalam in Pandalam Valiyakoikkal Devaswom in Aranmula Group. Administrative sanction was obtained for Rs.34,50,000/- based on 2008 schedule. The provision included in the estimate for the dismantling and clearing M.P. roofing tiles, old damaged wooden roof members, racking out old damaged cement plastering, floor etc. and supplying and fitting copper sheet over roof after providing teak wood chempalakas and re-doing the floor with ceramic tiles. The work has to be charged under Grade I new works provided in the budget estimate for the year 2008-09 subject to allocation of supplementary budget provision. Though a proposal was made as early as in August 2008, administrative sanction was obtained only later. Considering the huge expenditure involved, the matter was referred to the Ombudsman for consideration and report and after inspection he stated that it is an important D.B.A. No.14 of 2009 : 2 : temple where large number of devotees visit from within and outside the State. The income itself exceeds Rs.65,00,000/- per year and considering the huge income and importance of the temple, it is suggested that the administrative sanction can be accorded, though there is no immediate urgency for the repairs. 2. We heard the parties. 3. Admittedly this is an important temple which generates huge amount by way of income and only a part of the amount received during the year is required to spend for the work. Further, administrative sanction has already been given by the Board. Primarily it is for the Board to consider whether such a work should be done or not. They have given administrative sanction. It must be taken that they were satisfied that the work should be proceeded with. In the absence of any reason for disallowing the prayer, we accord sanction subject to the provision made in the budget for the year 2009-10. The matter is closed. P.R. RAMAN, JUDGE P.S.GOPINATHAN, JUDGE. mt/-