This DBP is registered, based on report No.20 of 2023 of the learned Ombudsman in Complaint No.21 of 2017 made by the devotees of Thelliyoor Kavu Devi Temple, a temple under the management of the 5th respondent Travancore Devaswom Board. In the complaint, it is stated that based on the permission obtained from this Court, a ‘Kalyana Mandapam’ was constructed. The Devaswom Board fixed Rs.22,000/- per day as the rent. However, the Board officials, including the Sub Group Officer and the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, Thiruvalla, with the help of some commission agents, dissuade persons coming to book ‘Kalyana Mandapam’ by saying that the rent of the hall is high and advised them to construct temporary Panthal for conducting marriage, so that they can earn money in that deal. No electricity connection is taken to ‘Kalyana Mandapam’ and no steps are being taken to electrify that building. If electricity, water, furniture, etc., are ensured, it will attract more people to conduct marriages. Though representations were made before the Travancore Devaswom Board, there was no result. Further, the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner gave a one-sided report and hence, the complaint was filed before the learned Ombudsman.
