#Transparency in Governance

Kerala High Court reinforces Store Purchase Manual provisions, mandating annual procurement estimates based on 3-5 years' consumption data to prevent ad-hoc purchases. The ruling directs the Travancore Devaswom Board to implement a digitised inventory system, ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency in public asset management.

Madurai High Court rules that riverbed use for cultural festivals like Chithirai Festival must be licensed via transparent auction, ensuring revenue sharing with local temples and municipalities. The judgment rejects arbitrary denials and sets a precedent for balancing cultural rights with public resource management under the Public Trust Doctrine.

Supreme Court directs CBI investigation into Arunachal Pradesh’s public works contracts, citing systemic violations of tender norms, missing records, and conflicts of interest involving high officials. The ruling reinforces that transparency and accountability in public procurement are non-negotiable constitutional obligations under Article 14, setting a precedent for stricter scrutiny of state-led contract awards.