The Kerala High Court has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expedite its probe into the alleged misappropriation of gold used in the gold-cladded Dwarapalakas at the Sabarimala temple. After examining the latest investigation report, the court stressed that every angle of the case must be thoroughly investigated before the final report is filed.
Background of the Case
The proceedings arise from a suo motu case initiated over allegations relating to the removal and replating of gold from the Dwarapalakas. The SIT informed the court that the original gold-cladded structures were transported to Chennai in 2019 after they were allegedly described as copper plates during the approval process. According to the report, only a small quantity of gold was used for replating, while the remaining gold was allegedly misappropriated.
The Division Bench noted that the investigation has collected material indicating the possible involvement of several individuals, including officials and members of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The bench observed,
"The investigation shall be carried to its logical conclusion by ensuring that no aspect of the matter remains unexplored."
The court also recorded that expert reports from the National Metallurgical Laboratory and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre are still awaited, and additional time has been sought to complete the investigation.
Directing the SIT to proceed with "utmost expedition and diligence," the High Court said it should take appropriate action in accordance with law if the investigation reveals sufficient material against any person. The matter has been posted for further consideration on July 20, 2026.
Case Details:
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Others
Case Number: WP(C) No. 40608 of 2025
Judge: Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K. V. Jayakumar
Decision Date: June 29, 2026
 Department-300x169.webp)
