Thiruvananthapuram: The appointment of K Jayakumar as president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) faces a significant legal hurdle after senior IAS officer Dr B Ashok filed a petition seeking his disqualification. The Principal District Court in Thiruvananthapuram has admitted the plea and issued notices to Jayakumar and senior government officials to appear on January 15, 2026.
Allegations of Statutory Violation
The petition alleges that Jayakumar continues to serve as director of the Institute of Management in Government (IMG) while receiving a government salary, which, under Section 7(iii) of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, disqualifies him from holding the TDB presidency. Dr Ashok has submitted evidence showing that Jayakumar held a salaried government position at the time of his appointment, oath-taking, and thereafter, arguing that the assumption of office was legally invalid. The plea also challenges claims that the TDB chairmanship could be considered an additional government assignment.
Jayakumar’s Response
In response, Jayakumar has indicated that he plans to resign from IMG shortly, emphasizing that it is an autonomous body. He further stated that he does not receive any salary from the Devaswom Board.
Administrative Challenges at Sabarimala
The controversy arises against the backdrop of operational issues at Sabarimala. Jayakumar’s promise to serve ‘Sadya’ immediately after assuming office on November 14 has not yet been fulfilled. Reports of unclean facilities, incomplete preparations, and coordination gaps between government departments and Devaswom staff have highlighted the difficulties in implementing directives under his administration.
Background and Implications
Jayakumar, a former Chief Secretary and founding vice chancellor of Malayalam University, has been a preferred candidate for successive state governments. With both legal and administrative pressures mounting, the upcoming court proceedings are expected to determine his tenure as TDB president and clarify whether statutory requirements were overlooked during his appointment.
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