If everything is entrusted to Potti, what is the job of Devaswom Board? – HC in Sabarimala case

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday strongly criticised the Devaswom Board while hearing bail petitions in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, asking what role the Board played if all major responsibilities were entrusted to Unnikrishnan Potti.

The court made the remarks during arguments by the prosecution, which stated that Unnikrishnan Potti had been entrusted with the work related to gold plating the Sabarimala sanctum sanctorum, its doorframe and the Dwarapalaka sculpture. The bench questioned why such significant works were handled by one person and sought clarity on the Devaswom Board’s oversight and responsibilities.

The bail petitions before the court were filed by former Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar, Bellary-based gold merchant Govardhan, and former Sabarimala executive officer Murari Babu. The court mainly heard arguments related to Govardhan’s bail plea.

During the hearing, Govardhan told the court that he had spent around ₹1.40 crore for various works at Sabarimala and had already spent 25 days in judicial custody. He also claimed to have constructed the sanctum sanctorum door at a cost of ₹35 lakh and built the hundi placed in front of the sanctum sanctorum. Govardhan maintained that he is a devout Ayyappa believer and alleged that he had been falsely implicated, stating he was arrested suddenly when he appeared before the investigating officers.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), however, opposed the bail plea and told the court that Unnikrishnan Potti, Govardhan and Pankaj Bhandari had significant roles in the alleged gold smuggling. The SIT argued that the seriousness of the allegations warranted continued custody.

The High Court’s observations have brought renewed focus on the administrative functioning of the Devaswom Board and its role in overseeing works at the Sabarimala temple, as the case continues to be heard.