In a key move to protect temple devotees from online scams, the Kerala High Court has instructed the Cochin Devaswom Board’s Chief Vigilance Officer to closely monitor and act against fake websites and Instagram accounts that mislead devotees in the name of temples.
The case arose from a petition filed by devotees of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Tripunithura, highlighting concerns about fraudulent online platforms collecting donations and booking poojas using fake temple identities. Though the petitioners initially demanded wide-ranging reforms, they limited their plea to the issue of impersonating social media accounts and fake online donation services, with the liberty to raise other matters in a separate case.
Read Also:- Rajasthan High Court Acquits Death Row Convicts; Says ‘Last-Seen Theory’ Not Enough Without Prima Facie Case
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan emphasized:
“The Vigilance Wing of the Cochin Devaswom Board, headed by the Chief Vigilance Officer, shall maintain a constant vigil against exploitation of devotees through fake websites, Instagram accounts, and online donation platforms in the name of temples. Persons operating such fake platforms must be proceeded against legally by filing complaints with local police stations.”
The Court directed the Board to ensure that official temple websites and Instagram accounts are clearly displayed inside temple premises for public awareness. It was also revealed that several major temples, including Sree Poornathrayeesa, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy, Vadakkunnathan, and Ernakulam Siva Temples, now provide verified online pooja booking and donation services.
Read Also:- Rajasthan High Court Reiterates Section 15 of Rent Control Act Is Directory, Not Mandatory
In an earlier internal move dated October 1, 2024, the Board had already authorized its Chief Vigilance Officer to investigate a specific fake Instagram account named “Sree Poornathrayeesa Kshethram,” based on a report by the Assistant Commissioner, Tripunithura.
The Court stressed that temple advisory committees or their members are not allowed to collect money from devotees through unofficial or fake platforms.
“Any money collected in the name of a temple is legally treated as an offering to the deity, who is considered a perpetual minor under law. Such funds must be credited to the Devaswom fund and used only under official control.”
To ensure transparency and security, the Court ordered the Board to conclude the ongoing inquiry within three months after giving a fair hearing to the petitioners, former advisory members, and those named in the vigilance report.
Citing its constitutional role as a guardian under the parens patriae doctrine, the Court reaffirmed its duty to protect temple properties and the interests of devotees. The Court also drew strength from past rulings including Travancore Devaswom Board v. Mohanan Nair and A.A. Gopalakrishnan v. Cochin Devaswom Board, where the judiciary stressed its duty to protect religious institutions from fraud and misuse.
Quote from the Judgment:
“Temple Advisory Committees or their members shall not be permitted to collect money from devotees through unofficial websites, social media handles, or any online platforms.”
Case Title: Devidas C. & Others v. Cochin Devaswom Board & Others
Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 35495 of 2024
Counsel for the Petitioners:Advocates.T. Sanjay, Sanil Kumar G., Ardhra Krishna, Sreekanth G Menon
Counsel for the Respondents: Advs. K.P. Sudheer, Dinesh R. Shenoy, Suvin R. Menon, Joy Thattil Ittoop, Bijish B. Tom, Jacob Tomlin Varghese, Baby Sonia, Uthara A.S., Nevis Cassandra L. Caxton Loretta, Krishna Kumar T.K., Karun Mahesh, K.S. Arun Kumar
