The Kerala High Court has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged ‘gold theft’ linked to the Sabarimala temple to submit its report within six weeks, marking a significant development in one of the state’s most closely watched temple-related controversies. The directive came during a hearing on Friday, where the court emphasized the need for a time-bound and transparent investigation into the case that has sparked widespread public concern and political debate.
The bench, while reviewing the progress of the investigation, noted that the case involved not just criminal allegations but also issues of public trust and religious sanctity. The Sabarimala temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage centers in South India, attracts millions of devotees each year, and any irregularity concerning its assets carries deep emotional and cultural implications.
The alleged ‘gold theft’ pertains to missing or misappropriated ornaments belonging to the Sabarimala temple’s treasury and offerings, which are managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The controversy surfaced after reports suggested discrepancies in the inventory and valuation of gold items, raising suspicions of internal malpractices and corruption. Following mounting public pressure, the state government constituted an SIT to probe the matter.
During Friday’s hearing, the Kerala High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the investigation and sought clarity on the steps taken so far. The court instructed the SIT to expedite the probe, collect all relevant evidence, and ensure that the final report clearly identifies accountability, whether individual or institutional. It also reminded investigators that religious institutions operate on the foundation of public faith, and any breach of that trust demands swift and thorough action.
The state government informed the court that the SIT, comprising senior police officers and forensic experts, had already questioned several officials associated with the temple’s financial management and auditing process. The team has also reportedly sought the assistance of the Vigilance Department to trace the missing assets and examine historical records of gold procurement and inventory maintenance.
Legal experts believe the High Court’s directive will inject much-needed momentum into the case, which had risked stagnation due to bureaucratic delays and conflicting statements from various authorities. The court’s insistence on a six-week deadline indicates its resolve to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of temple wealth.
Public sentiment around the issue remains intense. Devotees and social activists have demanded that the investigation not only recover the missing gold but also expose any systemic loopholes that could enable similar incidents in the future. Political parties, too, have weighed in, with the opposition accusing the government of shielding influential individuals within the temple administration.
The Travancore Devaswom Board, in its affidavit, has assured the court of full cooperation with the SIT and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the temple’s financial integrity. It has also initiated internal reforms, including stricter auditing and digital documentation of valuables, to prevent recurrence of such discrepancies.
As the SIT races against the six-week deadline, the outcome of this probe is expected to have far-reaching implications—not only for Sabarimala’s management but also for the broader governance of Kerala’s temple institutions. For devotees, the case represents more than a question of missing gold; it is about restoring faith in the sanctity and accountability of one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage centers.
The Kerala High Court’s directive thus sets a decisive tone: the truth behind the Sabarimala ‘gold theft’ must be uncovered promptly, transparently, and without fear or favor.
