The gold theft case linked to Sabarimala temple reached a crucial stage on Monday as the High Court of Kerala underlined the need for hard science over assumptions. Hearing a suo motu petition, the court allowed investigators to collect physical samples from the shrine to determine whether gold cladding had been removed and replaced over the years.
The bench made it clear: without scientific proof, a case of this scale and sensitivity cannot stand.
Read also:- Bombay HC Disposes Unmarried Woman’s Abortion Plea, Cites Supreme Court Ruling on MTP Rights
Background of the Case
The proceedings arise from allegations that gold cladding from the Dwarapalakas (door guardians) and other structures near the Sreekovil at Sabarimala was removed over time and later re-plated using thinner layers to conceal the loss. The suspected acts span nearly three decades, from 1998 to 2025.
Acting on earlier directions of the court, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed. When the matter was taken up, senior police officials, including the head of the SIT and the investigating officer, appeared in person and briefed the judges on the progress.
Investigators told the court that 262 witnesses have already been examined. Digital evidence seized from a Chennai-based firm is being analysed, and call data records from as far back as 2019 are being traced to map links between the accused.
Read also:- Calcutta High Court Refuses to Quash Forgery Case Linked to 1963 Land Deed, Orders Police Prob
Court’s Observations on Scientific Evidence
The judges were particularly focused on how the alleged removal of gold could be conclusively proved.
“The allegations strike at the sanctity of the temple itself,” the bench observed, adding that such claims cannot depend only on documents or oral statements.
The court noted that preliminary examinations suggest that original gold cladding may have been removed and replaced with a thinner surface layer. However, it said advanced scientific testing was essential to determine the truth.
The SIT informed the court that it plans to use methods such as X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy and other metallurgical techniques to measure plating thickness, alloy composition, and trace elements. These tests, the court was told, can reveal whether the gold layers belong to the same batch or whether substitution and dilution occurred.
Agreeing with this approach, the bench said scientific indicators are “intrinsic to the material itself” and cannot be fabricated without leaving detectable markers.
Read also:- Bombay High Court Flags Flawed Tree-Felling Notices, Closes Pune Coconut Trees Case
Decision on Sample Collection
Recording its satisfaction with the investigation plan, the court granted permission to the SIT to collect representative samples from the Sannidhanam on February 12, 2026, under controlled conditions.
The bench directed that the matter be listed again on February 19, when investigators must report whether adequate samples were collected and identify the national-level laboratories chosen for testing.
“No prosecution can proceed in the absence of an exact scientific foundation,” the court cautioned, warning that evidentiary gaps could weaken the case irreparably.
Separate Issue: Temple Flag Mast Gold
During the hearing, another issue surfaced - alleged irregularities in gold used for installing the temple flag mast in 2017.
Based on a devotee’s complaint, a preliminary vigilance enquiry revealed discrepancies between the total gold available and the quantity officially recorded as used. While records show that over 9.57 kilograms of gold was available through purchases and donations, only 9.34 kilograms were shown as utilised.
More troubling, the court was told that individual receipts were not issued to donors as required under Devaswom rules. “This makes verification impossible and leaves donors without proof,” officials submitted.
Read also:- Married Daughter Can’t Be Denied Compassionate Job: Orissa High Court Pulls Up State Over Gender
Court’s Final Directions
The bench held that the flag mast issue should not burden the already stretched SIT. Instead, it ordered an independent vigilance enquiry.
All files, accounts, and mahazars relating to the flag mast project have been directed to be handed over to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. The Director has been asked to form a dedicated team, record statements of donors, examine financial records, and submit a report within 30 days.
With these directions, the court posted the matter for further reporting on February 19, 2026.
Case Title: Suo Motu Proceedings on Sabarimala Gold Cladding Issue
Case No.: WP(C) No. 40608 of 2025
Decision Date: 9 February 2026
