Kerala HC orders SIT to Seize Devaswom Board Minutes Book in Sabarimala Probe

The Kerala High Court has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged loss of gold from the Sabarimala temple to seize the minutes book of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The Court also ordered its registry to suo motu register a writ petition to ensure effective monitoring of the investigation.

 

A Division Bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar issued the directive while hearing the proceedings based on a report by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. The report had raised concerns about the removal of gold plating from the ‘Dwarapalaka’ (door guardian) idols and their dispatch for repairs to Smart Creations, a Chennai-based firm, without informing the Court or the Special Commissioner.

 

The Court clarified that its monitoring of the SIT probe is not intended to interfere with the investigation but to ensure that the inquiry remains fair and transparent.

 

“This Court has undertaken the monitoring of the investigation in this extraordinary case involving the pilferage of sacred valuables of Lord Ayyappa in a well-considered and calibrated manner,” the Bench observed.

 

Given the sensitive nature of the case, the Court has scheduled the next hearing to be held in-camera. It further directed the SIT to seize the TDB’s minutes book and keep it in safe custody, with copies to be forwarded to the Registrar General for sealing and secure storage.

 

The Registrar General has also been instructed to keep the SIT’s interim report, along with the seized records, in a sealed cover. The investigating officer personally appeared before the Bench to submit this interim report.

 

The Court has been supervising the case since September, after reports highlighted discrepancies in the gold-plated copper plates handled by Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused. Under TDB’s authorisation, Potti, a devotee, oversaw the removal and repair of the gold coverings, but a shortage of around 4.54 kilograms was later detected -- with 42.8 kg sent for repair and only 38 kg received.

 

According to the SIT’s findings, two criminal cases have been registered against Potti under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 403 (dishonest misappropriation), 406 and 409 (criminal breach of trust), 466 and 467 (forgery), read with Section 34 (common intention). One case pertains to irregularities in the entrustment of gold-cladded idols and peedams, while the other concerns the alleged unauthorised retention of 409 grams of gold.

 

Key records and registers -- including the Charge Mahazar Register, Devaswom Mahazar, and maintenance files of the Dwarapalaka idols -- have also been seized for examination.

 

Recognising that certain individuals involved could emerge as accused, the Court ordered the registry to file a suo motu writ petition and include the State of Kerala, the TDB, the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, the State Police Chief, and the Senior Deputy Director of the State Audit Department as respondents.

 

SIT officials leading the investigation have been directed to personally appear at the next hearing.