The Kerala High Court on Monday (8 June) allowed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to carry out further examination of certain artefacts at the Sabarimala temple as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged removal of gold-clad copper plates from the temple premises. The court noted that the probe had reached an advanced stage and that a final report could be filed without much delay.
Background of the Case
The proceedings arise from a suo motu case initiated by the High Court concerning the alleged heist and removal of gold from the gold-clad Dwarapalakas placed near the Sreekovil at Sabarimala. Earlier, the court had observed that findings from the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur, would be crucial in determining the involvement and responsibility of individuals connected with the removal of the plates.
When the matter came up for hearing, SIT Investigating Officer S. Sasidharan, IPS, personally appeared before the bench and submitted a fresh progress report regarding the investigation.
Court Hears Progress of Investigation
The SIT informed the court that reports from the National Metallurgical Laboratory had been received on 29 May 2026. According to the investigating agency, the scientific findings, when read along with a report from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), provided significant insight into the methodology allegedly used in the incident.
The investigation has so far involved the examination of 408 witnesses. Investigators have also seized multiple hard disks containing records relating to the administration of the Sabarimala Temple and sent them for forensic examination. The analysis of those digital records is still underway.
The SIT further stated that it was investigating the use of a special chemical substance referred to as “stripping salt,” which was allegedly used in earlier gold-removal processes. Samples have been sent for scientific analysis, and the results are awaited.
Court Observation
The investigation team requested permission to dismantle the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame plate of the temple to collect samples for scientific examination. According to the SIT, determining the actual quantity of gold cladding on these artefacts required expert-assisted dismantling and testing.
Accepting the request, the bench observed that further examination was necessary to ascertain the truth behind the matter.
“The request is justified,” the court recorded while permitting the SIT to collect samples and send them for laboratory analysis.
Investigation Near Completion
The SIT informed the court that the investigation concerning the events leading to the removal and disposal of the Dwarapalaka plates had substantially progressed and was now in its final stages. The agency stated that the final report could be filed without further delay after completing the remaining steps.
The court also considered a request regarding Inspector Anish P.B., who had been selected for deputation as a Field Officer in the Cabinet Secretariat. The bench granted permission to relieve him from the SIT to enable him to take up the new assignment.
Decision
The Kerala High Court permitted the SIT to dismantle and examine additional Sabarimala artefacts, collect samples with expert assistance, and send them for laboratory testing.
The court also allowed Inspector Anish P.B. to be relieved from the investigation team and directed that the matter be listed again on 18 June 2026 for further updates on the investigation.
Case Details
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Others
Case Number: WP(C) No. 40608 of 2025
Judge: Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K. V. Jayakumar
Decision Date: 8 June 2026
