Kerala High Court Sanctions Price Increase for Iconic Ambalappuzha Palpayasam
In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has granted official permission to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to implement a price hike for the renowned Ambalappuzha Palpayasam. The sacred offering, a beloved temple prasadam, will now cost devotees Rs 240 per litre, up from the previous rate of Rs 160.
Court Order and Rationale Behind the Decision
A bench comprising Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar delivered the verdict following a petition submitted by the TDB. The board had sought judicial approval for the price adjustment, emphasizing that the last revision occurred nearly a decade ago. The court acknowledged the substantial escalation in the costs of essential raw materials required for preparing the palpayasam.
Key ingredients such as rice, milk, sugar, and other components have witnessed a dramatic surge in market prices over the years, compelling the TDB to propose the new rate to maintain the quality and sustainability of the prasadam distribution.
Background and Previous Proceedings
Prior to approaching the High Court, the TDB had filed an appeal with the devaswom ombudsman, outlining the financial strain caused by stagnant pricing. The ombudsman, after a thorough review of the board's submission, endorsed the proposed increase to Rs 240 per litre. This recommendation played a pivotal role in the High Court's deliberation, reinforcing the necessity of the price revision.
The bench underscored that the nine-year gap since the last price adjustment justified the current hike, aligning it with contemporary economic realities and ensuring the prasadam remains accessible without compromising its traditional standards.
Proposed Framework for Future Price Revisions
Beyond the immediate ruling, the High Court bench highlighted the need for a structured mechanism to govern price revisions for prasadam items across temples under TDB jurisdiction. The justices suggested that establishing a permanent committee would be a prudent step to systematically evaluate and decide on rate adjustments for various temple offerings.
This committee would assess factors like inflation, ingredient costs, and operational expenses, providing a transparent and consistent approach to pricing. The court directed both the state government and the TDB to submit their detailed statements on this matter, with the next hearing scheduled for February 16.
Implications for Devotees and Temple Administration
The price hike, while a necessary measure from an administrative standpoint, may impact devotees who regularly purchase the palpayasam. However, the TDB assures that the increase is essential to preserve the authenticity and quality of the prasadam, which holds immense cultural and religious significance in Kerala.
By instituting a permanent committee for future revisions, the High Court aims to balance economic viability with devotional accessibility, ensuring that temple administrations can manage prasadam distribution efficiently without frequent legal interventions.
