Kerala High Court Defers Hearing On Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Idol, Awaits Chief Thanthri's Report

The Kerala High Court adjourned proceedings concerning the defects in Moolavigraha (principal idol) of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, noting that the Chief Thanthri — the ultimate authority on spiritual matters — was presently unable to provide his inputs due to a bereavement in his family.A division bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M B Snehalatha delivered the order.Senior Advocate Sri Nandakumar Menon, appeared for the fourth respondent (the Chief Thanthri) and sought additional time to furnish a note that the Court had requisitioned by its earlier order. The Bench acceded to this request, underscoring the importance of the Chief Thanthri's role in guiding any decision on religious and ritual aspects of temple administration.At the same time, the Court observed that a “controversy” had emerged regarding whether works recommended by the Committee of Experts for Renovation of the Moolabimbham (also principal idol) had already commenced. The Action Taken Report filed by the temple's Executive Officer records that the Chief Thanthri had been requested to submit a report on the current state of the Moolabimbham after consulting experts, following which a public notification would be issued inviting qualified specialists to undertake the renovation. The report also mentions the Committee's recommendation to construct a balalayam (temporary structure constructed during renevoation of temple) and to publish the proposal in a leading newspaper.The Bench reiterated that while the Court, acting in parens patriae jurisdiction, retains control over the assets of the deity who is treated in law as a perpetual minor, the spiritual matters remain within the exclusive domain of the Chief Thanthri.“Any action with respect to the moolabimbham and other works of the temple in terms of the Committee's recommendations shall be undertaken, proceeded with, completed and finalised only as per the direct advice, control and instruction of the Chief Thanthri,” the Court emphasized.The matter has been posted for further hearing on October 6, 2025.Case Title: R Rajasekharan Pillai v State of Kerala and Anr and connected matterCase No: WP(C) 7039/ 2025 and connected matterCounsel for Petitioner: M Balagovindan, Mini Gangadharan, T K Ananda Padmanabhan, M M Laiju Nissa, D Sreekumar,Counsel for the Respondent : R Suraj Kumar (SC-Administrative Committee), Nandakumar Menon (Sr.)Click Here To Read/ Download Interim Order

Kerala High Court Defers Hearing On Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Idol, Awaits Chief Thanthri's Report

Anamika MJ

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