Sabarimala Gold Theft: Kerala High Court Extends Deadline For SIT Probe; Clears 2017 Flag Mast Allegations

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (26 March) granted additional time to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case to complete the investigation, citing the need for scientific analysis before concluding the investigation.A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar considered a progress report submitted in person by SIT Investigating Officer S. Sasidharan, IPS. The court noted that samples collected from various parts of the temple structure, including pillar plates and gold-plated idol components, had been sent to the National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML) in Jamshedpur for detailed examination as ordered earlier. According to the SIT, the laboratory indicated that the intricate and specialized nature of the analysis would delay results until the last week of April 2026. The Court acknowledged that the final report could not be completed without these findings, and hence extended the timeline for the investigation and posted the matter for further consideration on May 18, 2026.The bench observed that the probe has progressed substantially, with 358 witnesses examined so far across multiple locations in Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.The SIT also informed the court that the investigation into the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idols carried out in 2025 is ongoing, with at least 20 witnesses examined in detail. The court expressed satisfaction that the investigation is being conducted in a proper and systematic manner.The Court has also accepted a preliminary enquiry report by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) concerning allegations of irregularities in gold donations for the installation of a temple flag mast in 2017. The VACB found discrepancies between recorded and actual donations, 412.010 grams recorded versus 300 grams verified. It was concluded that there was no evidence of criminal misappropriation or breach of trust.“ Upon verification, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau contacted each of the individuals named therein and found that the cumulative quantity of gold actually donated by them was 300 grams. On the basis of the preliminary enquiry and the documentary as well as oral evidence collected, it has been concluded that there is no material to suggest any criminal misappropriation or criminal breach of trust in respect of the gold donated by devotees for the flag mast installation process at Sabarimala during the year 2017.” the Court noted. Accepting these findings, the court permitted the VACB to close the proceedings related to the 2017 flag mast issue.The matter is posted for 18 May for further consideration. Case No: WP(C) No. 40608 of 2025Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.Click Here To Read/ Download Interim Order

Sabarimala Gold Theft: Kerala High Court Extends Deadline For SIT Probe; Clears 2017 Flag Mast Allegations

Anamika MJ

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