Sabarimala Gold Theft: Kerala High Court Allows Dismantling Of Prabhamandalam Plates & Sample Collection For Forensic Examination
Anamika MJ
8 Jun 2026 9:23 PM IST
The Kerala High Court on Monday (08 June) permitted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and door frames of the Sreekovil in Sabarimala temple to undertake further dismantling and scientific examination of certain temple artefacts, including Prabhamandalam Plates as the investigation enters its final stages.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar passed the order in the suo motu proceedings initiated by the Court into the Gold misappropriation.
Previously, the Court had recorded 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 previously ordered.
Today, a progress report regarding the investigation was submitted before the Court and it was submitted that the report from CSIR-NML, Jamshedpur had been received on May 29, 2026, in connection with the ongoing investigation. According to the SIT, the NML report, read together with an earlier report from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), provides a clear picture of the methodology allegedly adopted in committing the offence.
After examining the NML findings, the Court observed that the report would significantly assist investigators in determining how the alleged gold pilferage was carried out at Sannidhanam.
“We have carefully gone through the comprehensive report submitted by the NML and find that it would go a long way in identifying the manner in which the pilferage of gold was carried out at Sannidhanam. The progress report contains a detailed narration of the events commencing from 12.07.2024 and culminating in the transportation of the Dwarapalaka idol plates, together with the specific manner in which the investigation has been conducted.” Court observed.
The Court recorded that the investigation has so far involved examination of 408 witnesses. Investigators have also seized multiple hard disks containing records relating to the Sabarimala Temple Devaswom and sent them to the Kerala State Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis.
The SIT informed the Court that in 2019, Smart Creations, the shop where the removed gold-cladded items were taken for gold plating had allegedly stripped gold cladding from temple artefacts using a specialised chemical known as “stripping salt.” Samples of the substance have been forwarded to NML for scientific examination, with the results still awaited. It was submitted that the findings will be crucial for establishing the method adopted by Smart Creations for stripping gold from the artefacts.
It was also submitted that while samples had already been collected from certain artefacts in the Sabarimala Sreekovil, examination of the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame plate could not be completed because of practical difficulties and objections raised during dismantling efforts. The SIT submitted that dismantling these artefacts and collecting samples were necessary to accurately determine the quantity of gold cladding present.
Accepting the request, the High Court authorised the SIT to dismantle the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame plate, collect samples with expert assistance, and send them for laboratory analysis. The Court said the exercise was necessary to fully and conclusively ascertain the truth.
“Having considered the report and the present stage of the investigation, we are satisfied that the request is justified. Accordingly, we grant permission to the Special Investigation Team to dismantle the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame plate, collect samples therefrom with the assistance of experts, and forward the same to the laboratory for analysis, so that the truth of the matter may be fully and conclusively ascertained.” the Court said.
The Court also recorded the SIT's submission that the investigation concerning the removal and disposal of the Dwarapalakas in 2025 has substantially been completed and that a final report could be filed without further delay.
The matter has been posted to June 18, 2026, for the SIT to update the Court on further developments and identify the culpability of those involved.
Case No: WP(C) No. 40608 of 2025
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Counsel for Respondents: S. Sreekumar (Sr.), G. Biju (SC, TDB)
