Ghee Procurement Irregularities at Sabarimala: Kerala HC Orders Detailed Investigation
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in the procurement and supply of ghee by the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (Milma) to Sabarimala Sannidhanam to conduct a “foolproof and Time-bound probe.”
A Division Bench comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar noted that, as part of the investigation, the SIT has seized records from several offices of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), including those at Sabarimala, Nilackal, Erumely, Pathanamthitta, Pandalam and Thiruvananthapuram.
The SIT has also seized documents from Milma offices in Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta. According to the investigation team, numerous witnesses have been questioned as part of the ongoing probe.
Irregularities in Ghee Procurement
The investigation follows findings of irregularities in the procurement of ghee from Milma for the preparation of Aravana during the 2025–26 annual pilgrimage season.
The irregularities were highlighted in reports submitted by Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan and the TDB’s Chief Vigilance and Security Officer. Based on these findings, the High Court constituted the SIT to conduct a detailed investigation.
The SIT is headed by M.J. Sojan, Superintendent of Police with the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).
The reports raised questions over the tender process through which Milma was selected as the supplier. The Special Commissioner had reportedly objected to the award of the tender to Milma. However, the TDB, under then-president P.S. Prasanth and other board members, including Aji Kumar, approved the procurement while foregoing the e-tender process that had already been initiated.
Questions Over Supply of 1.61 Lakh Litres
The reports also raised concerns over whether the entire quantity of 1,61,535 litres of ghee reportedly supplied by Milma actually reached Sabarimala Sannidhanam.
The issue has become a key aspect of the SIT investigation, which is examining procurement records, transportation and storage documents, as well as the movement and receipt of ghee at different stages.
With records seized from both the TDB and Milma offices and several witnesses already questioned, the High Court has now emphasised the need for a thorough and time-bound investigation into the alleged irregularities.
The SIT is expected to examine the complete chain of procurement and supply to establish whether there were any lapses or financial irregularities and to identify those responsible, if wrongdoing is established.