The Kerala High Court on Monday (20 July) directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to complete its investigation into the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case and file its final report before the jurisdictional court without unnecessary delay. The direction came after the Bench examined a detailed scientific report prepared by the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur, which has provided investigators with significant forensic inputs into the case.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar observed that the newly received report has substantially strengthened the investigation by scientifically explaining the alleged process involved in the removal of gold from temple structures.
Background of the Case
The proceedings concern the alleged misappropriation of gold used in the cladding of the Sabarimala temple's Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and Sreekovil door frames during replating work. Since the investigation depended heavily on technical evidence, the High Court had earlier permitted the SIT to send samples to the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory, the only institution in the country equipped to conduct the required specialised metallurgical examinations.
The scientific examination was intended to determine the composition of the copper plates, estimate the quantity of gold originally used, and examine the alleged method through which the gold was removed.
Court's Observations
When the matter came up for hearing, the Bench considered the status report submitted by the Additional Director General of Police (Crimes) and interacted with the officer leading the Special Investigation Team.
The Court noted that the laboratory's final report, received earlier this month, has provided investigators with important scientific evidence that was not previously available.
The Bench observed,
"The final opinion rendered by the National Metallurgical Laboratory provides a comprehensive scientific explanation of the entire process allegedly adopted by the accused."
According to the Court, the report explains how the gold was allegedly separated from the copper plates while also identifying the metallurgical characteristics of the materials examined. It further enables the investigating agency to estimate the quality and quantity of the gold originally used for cladding and the quantity utilised for nano-gold plating during the replating process.
The judges also recorded that officers of the SIT had personally visited the laboratory, interacted with the scientific experts who conducted the analysis, and recorded their statements to support the evidentiary value of the findings.
The Bench further remarked that this is not a case dependent solely on eyewitness testimony or surrounding circumstances. Instead, the prosecution's case rests substantially on scientific and forensic evidence, making the laboratory's findings an essential part of the investigation.
Investigation Progress
The SIT informed the Court that the investigation relating to the alleged gold loss from the Sreekovil door frame has largely been completed and that the final report is expected to be filed within thirty days. It also stated that prosecution sanction would be sought from the competent authority thereafter.
Regarding the allegations connected with the Dwarapalaka idols, the investigating agency informed the Court that the alleged transactions of 2025 have been clubbed with the earlier investigation. It further submitted that 54 witnesses have already been examined and requested limited additional time to complete certain confidential investigative steps before filing the final report.
Decision
Taking note of the progress made and the importance of the scientific evidence now available, the Kerala High Court directed the Special Investigation Team to conclude the remaining investigation relating to the Dwarapalaka idols case and submit the final report before the jurisdictional court at the earliest.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on September 3, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Others
Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 40608 of 2025
Judges: Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar
Decision Date: 20 July 2026
