Kerala High Court Orders Investigation into Temple Idol Irregularities

The Kerala High Court has recently taken a significant step by ordering the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to seize the meeting minutes of the Travancore Devaswom Board. This decision arises amidst an ongoing probe into serious allegations surrounding the gold plating of statues in the famous Sabarimala temple.

Background of the Case

The Travancore Devaswom Board is a government body that manages numerous Hindu temples in Kerala. According to a report by Bar and Bench, the court has mandated that the minutes from meetings held since 2019 be collected. These records are believed to contain crucial details regarding the approval for handing over gold sheets and plating materials to a central figure in the alleged irregularities.

On Tuesday, a division bench consisting of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar emphasized the necessity of the investigation being monitored by the court. They stated, “Court-monitoring in a matter of such sensitivity and where passion runs high shall help in moving the machinery of inquiry at an appropriate pace.” This suggests that the court is keen on ensuring the investigation is carried out fairly and efficiently, without any bias.

This case was brought to the court’s attention in September after a report by the Sabarimala special commissioner. The report revealed that the gold plating from the temple idols was removed and sent to a Chennai-based jewellery firm named Smart Creations for repairs, all done without the court’s approval. This firm was originally responsible for gold-plating the Dwarapalaka idols in 2019 and had provided a 40-year warranty on the work.

Key Details of the Irregularities

Six years after the initial plating, the Travancore Devaswom Board reportedly sent the gold-plated items back to the same company for repairs, following complaints about defects. The return of these valuable items was sponsored by a person named Unnikrishnan Potti, who had initially funded the original gold plating in 2019.

Here’s where it gets complicated: there was an unexplained loss of 4.54 kg of gold when the idols returned to the temple from Chennai in 2019, yet Potti was again given the responsibility for the re-plating. Complaints have emerged regarding the management’s oversight of these significant discrepancies.

In a recent court session, the SIT revealed that two criminal cases had been registered against Potti. These charges include dishonest misappropriation of property, criminal breach of trust, and forgery, according to Bar and Bench reports. The court has now directed SIT to extend its investigation to uncover a larger conspiracy. They also aim to identify any officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board who may have colluded to hide the missing gold and whether sending the idols for repair was part of a broader scheme.

The Row Explained

On September 9, R. Jayakrishnan, the special commissioner for the Sabarimala temple, informed the High Court about the unauthorized removal of the gold-plated coverings for renovations. Jayakrishnan had been appointed by the court in June 2024 to supervise temple affairs and provide reports. During the hearing, he expressed concern that repairs were taken outside the temple premises, which was against the established rules and prior court directives regarding idol maintenance.

The court reacted strongly and questioned why Smart Creations was selected for repairs. They instantly ordered that the repairs be stopped, and the gold items must return to the temple. An inquiry into the entire procedure has unveiled a series of irregularities, dating back to 1999 when the Travancore Devaswom Board first undertook the gold plating of the Dwarapalakas.

Unnikrishnan Potti had managed to obtain approval in 2019 to pay for the gold-plating of temple idols, yet the documentation failed to mention that the items already had gold coverings from prior work. This oversight raises further questions regarding the board’s handling of the temple’s precious assets.

What Lies Ahead?

The Kerala High Court’s intervention indicates that they wish to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of temple affairs. As more details emerge, it is vital for the public to stay informed about the outcome of this investigation, as it not only affects the temple but also holds broader implications for governance and trust in public institutions.

As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see if justice will be served. The focus remains on unveiling any wrongdoing and ensuring that similar incidents are thoroughly prevented in the future.

Conclusion

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of governance, transparency, and accountability in managing public resources. With continued attention from the courts and the public, there is hope for clarity and justice.

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