The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (October 21, 2025) came down heavily on the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) after shocking revelations emerged about the secret removal and pilferage of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols guarding the sanctum of the Sabarimala temple. The Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to dig deep into the scandal, calling it a "matter touching the faith of millions" and asserting that "no official, however high, can escape scrutiny."
Background
The proceedings arose from a suo motu report filed by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner after it was discovered that gold cladding from the Dwarapalakas-the guardian idols standing on either side of the Sreekovil-had been detached without the court’s knowledge.
The revelation triggered a judicial storm. Earlier this month, the High Court had already invoked its powers under Article 226 of the Constitution to constitute a Special Investigation Team. The court noted that the irregular removal of gold covering and its quiet refixation were carried out in violation of court orders and temple norms.
"The sacred wealth of Lord Ayyappa cannot be handled like private property," the Bench had observed in a prior hearing.
Court's Observations
During Tuesday's session, the judges revealed that two criminal cases-Crimes No. 3700 and 3701 of 2025-had already been registered for offences under Sections 403, 406, 409, 466, and 467 of the IPC, dealing with criminal breach of trust and forgery.
The investigation unearthed that in 2019, Devaswom officials entrusted gold-cladded idols and side frames to one Mr. Unnikrishnan Potty, allegedly without any prescribed procedure or record-keeping.
"A perfunctory mahazar was prepared, and the registers were left blank," the court remarked, indicating a clear attempt to hide misappropriation.
Even more startling, the court noted an email from the same contractor seeking permission to use 409 grams of temple gold for a private wedding.
"The brazenness of such conduct defies belief," Justice Vijayaraghavan said, "and the silence of senior officials borders on complicity."
The Bench elaborated that this was not an isolated act but part of a larger, well-orchestrated conspiracy. Officials knowingly violated the Travancore Devaswom Board’s own manual, which mandates that such repair works be carried out only within the Sannidhanam.
Findings from the SIT
According to the SIT report, Devaswom officials falsely categorised the Dwarapalakas as mere "copper plates" and handed them over to Mr. Potty for gold-plating in 2019. No proper inventory, weighing, or verification was done before or after the idols were transported across states.
The court noted that Potty's company, Smart Creations in Chennai, received about 109 grams of gold for re-plating, but nearly 475 grams remained unaccounted for.
"The chain of events points to a conscious effort by top TDB officials to cover up the 2019 pilferage through secret re-entrustment in 2025," the order stated.
Judicial Directions
The High Court has now expanded the SIT's scope to investigate the full conspiracy, including possible collusion by higher officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The judges emphasised that the Board’s senior officers cannot absolve themselves of responsibility or shift blame onto subordinates.
Under Section 15A(ii) of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, the Bench reminded, the Board is duty-bound to safeguard temple assets and ensure effective supervision.
The court ordered:
- SIT to seize all related records and the Minutes Book of the TDB for safe custody.
- A new suo motu writ petition to be registered for continued judicial monitoring.
- All records and reports to be sealed and kept in the custody of the Registrar General.
- Personal appearance of SIT officers on November 5, 2025, when the court resumes in-camera proceedings.
In a significant development, the court also recorded that the Dwarapalaka plates were refixated on the idols on October 17, under the supervision of retired Justice K.T. Sankaran, who had been appointed to prepare an inventory of temple valuables.
Decision
Concluding the 15-page order, the Bench directed that the investigation continue under the Court's watch, stating firmly:
"The sacred valuables of Lord Ayyappa belong to the deity and the devotees. They are not to be plundered or misused by anyone in power."
The report of the Special Investigation Team, sealed and preserved by the High Court Registry, will form the basis of the next phase of inquiry when the matter comes up on November 5, 2025.
With that, the court made it clear the gold may have been stolen, but faith and accountability will not be.
Case Title:- Sua Motu vs. State of Kerala
Case Number: SSCR No. 23 of 2025
Date of Order: 21 October 2025
