Kerala High Court Grants SIT Six More Weeks To Complete Probe Into Sabarimala Gold Theft Case

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (December 3) gave the Special Investigation Team (SIT) 6 more weeks to conclude its investigation into the plundering of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and lintels of the Sabarimala temple.The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar had conducted the proceedings in-camera and interacted with the investigating officer, who had placed a progress report regarding the investigation before the Court. Though it expressed satisfaction in the manner in which the investigation was proceeding, the Bench thought it inappropriate to record the same considering the sensitive nature of the issue. As per its order on November 5, the Court had apprised the need for a scientific investigation and had directed the SIT to collect samples of copper from the Dwarapalaka idol plates, side door frames as well as from any of the existing plates that were not handed over for gold plating, so as to verify the actual facts on the allegation that the Dwarapalaka idol plates might have been swapped. Today, the Court was informed that in compliance of the afore order, samples had been collected while the results of the chemical analysis report was awaited and expected within a week.It was also told to the Court that a significant part of the investigation into the transactions relating to the transport of the gold plates was still in its infancy and therefore, more time was sought to complete the investigation."Having carefully examined the progress report and bearing in mind the scale, seriousness, and potential ramifications of the allegations under inquiry, we are of the view that the time sought by the Investigating Officer is justified and deserves to be granted. Accordingly, a further period of six weeks from today is granted to the Special Investigation Team to conclude the investigation," the Court had observed.The Court also made it clear that any previously unnoticed aspect comes up during investigation, the SIT is to inform about the same by filing a report. It then observed:"This direction has become imperative, as the subject matter of the investigation concerns valuables and properties belonging to Lord Ayyappa, and it is the duty of this Court to ensure that such sacred property is duly protected and safeguarded."The Bench also reminded the investigating agency about the need to proceed with "uncompromising meticulousness, heightened diligence, and scrupulous adherence to every legal requirement".The case is posted on January 5 for further consideration.Case No: WP(C) No. 40608 of 2025Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.Click to Read/Download OrderClick to Read/Download Order dated 05.11.2025

Kerala High Court Grants SIT Six More Weeks To Complete Probe Into Sabarimala Gold Theft Case

K. Salma Jennath

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