The Kerala High Court has directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board to inspect the famed "Ezharaponnana" at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple following allegations that original gold plates were replaced during renovation work. The court clarified that the inspection is intended to independently verify the claims before any conclusion is reached.
Background of the Case
The suo motu proceedings were initiated after a complaint by devotee A.G. Prasad Kumar. He alleged that during repair and renovation of the temple's "Ezharaponnana," the original gold plating had been removed and substituted with copper or other low-value metals, and sought a vigilance investigation.
The Travancore Devaswom Board filed an affidavit relying on reports from the Administrative Officer and the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner. Both reports stated that official records showed no maintenance work on the structure and found no indication of misappropriation.
The Division Bench observed,
"Though there is no reason to disbelieve the assertions made in the reports... a direction can be issued to the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer... to inspect the temple registers as well as the Ezharapponnana."
The court further directed that the vigilance officer should take the assistance of a skilled goldsmith to examine the weight, quality and originality of the gold so that the allegations can be objectively verified.
The High Court ordered the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board to conduct the inspection and submit a detailed report containing his findings before the court.
The matter has been posted for further consideration on July 31, 2026.
Case Details:
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Others
Case Number: DBP No. 42 of 2026
Judge: Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K. V. Jayakumar
Decision Date: 23 June 2026
