In a packed courtroom at Ernakulam on Friday, the Kerala High Court came down heavily on what it called "speculative and premature" media reporting surrounding the alleged loss of gold from Sabarimala temple’s sacred structures. The bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar said the ongoing probe must proceed "without noise or distortion," as it directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to widen its investigation into the newly discovered irregularities in the temple's lintels and sideframes.
Background
The controversy erupted when reports surfaced that the gold-plated copper coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols - the divine gatekeepers of the temple - had been sent to a Chennai-based firm for repairs without proper authorization. Initially, around 42.8 kilograms of gold-plated material were handed over to a devotee, Unnikrishnan Potti, but the firm’s records showed receipt of only 38 kilograms. Subsequent vigilance raids revealed that certain temple gold items were recovered from Potti’s sister's residence.
Now, the court has been informed that similar discrepancies exist in the lintels and sideframes of the sanctum sanctorum, with 474.9 grams of gold allegedly unaccounted for.
Court's Observations
During the hearing, Justice Vijayaraghavan noted,
"From the investigation so far, it appears that misappropriation of gold has also occurred in the lintels. This too must be probed thoroughly."
The bench expressed its displeasure at the media's tendency to sensationalise sensitive issues before facts were verified. It observed that self-styled "investigative reporters" with mobile cameras were "broadcasting matters that may infringe upon the rights of the accused."
"The public has the right to know, but not at the cost of justice," the bench said.
"Let these officers do their job; truth will reveal itself through due process."
The court reminded journalists that even those facing trial were entitled to a fair, open, and speedy process, and urged restraint until the SIT completed its work.
Decision
The Division Bench directed the State Police Chief to ensure that the SIT, under the supervision of ADGP H. Venkatesh, registers a formal case and carries out a comprehensive, time-bound investigation. The SIT is to file sealed progress reports every two weeks, with all seized records safely deposited with the Registrar General of the High Court.
Before rising, the bench reiterated:
"We exhort the media to refrain from sensationalising this issue. Justice must proceed quietly, but firmly."
The matter will next be taken up after ten days, when the SIT is expected to submit its initial findings.
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala
Case No.: SSCR 23/2025
Date of Order: October 10, 2025