The Kerala High Court has really taken the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to task for their handling of precious gold assets at Sabarimala, describing their approach as “casual and negligent”. The court’s ire stems from serious irregularities surrounding the gold cladding of the Dwarapalaka idols and Peedams, with a shocking 4.5 kg of gold reportedly missing.
Key Developments-
Missing Gold: Investigations revealed the disappearance of 4.541 kilograms of gold cladding from the idols, sparking the court’s Suo motu proceedings.
TDB Criticism: The Kerala High Court bench, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar, slammed TDB for entrusting priceless items to a private sponsor with questionable antecedents.
Inventory Ordered: The court directed a comprehensive, digitized inventory of Sabarimala Sreekovil valuables, overseen by former Kerala High Court judge Justice K.T. Sankaran.
Vigilance Probe: The Chief Vigilance and Security Officer are conducting an expeditious probe into discrepancies and lapses by TDB officials.
Background
Unauthorized Removal: Gold-plated copper coverings were removed and sent to Chennai for repair without court permission, violating TDB procedures.
Weight Discrepancy: Records showed a weight reduction from 42.8 kg to 38.258 kg, raising red flags.
Court Directives: The High Court cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in A A Gopalakrishnan v Cochin Devaswom Board (2007), emphasizing temple trustees’ duty to safeguard properties.
The Kerala High Court has strongly criticized the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for their handling of gold assets at Sabarimala, describing their approach as “casual and negligent”. The court’s scrutiny stems from the unauthorized removal of gold-plated copper coverings from the Dwarapalaka idols, with alarming reports indicating a missing 4.5 kg of gold. The TDB sent these items to Chennai for electroplating without requisite court approval, violating established procedures. In response, the court has directed a comprehensive vigilance inquiry into the gold discrepancy and ordered the return of the gold-plated sheets. Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar emphasized temple trustees’ duty to safeguard properties, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in A Gopalakrishnan v Cochin Devaswom Board (2007). The matter awaits further hearing post the Vigilance Officer’s report submission.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on October 27, 2025.
