Thiruvananthapuram: Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said that the ‘Thiruvabharanam’ of Sabarimala shrine does not have to be taken over by the government. But if the Supreme Court orders for more security, then it shall be taken over. The report on the matter will be submitted to the court after holding consultations with the Devaswom Board, he said.

“I did not say that government should take over the ‘Thiruvabharanam’. I said that we should abide by the Supreme Court’s decision. The ‘Thiruvabharanam’ is kept in Panthalam palace under the supervision of the government,” Kadakampally said.

He added that if the Supreme Court says security should be strengthened then the government is willing to take possession of the Thiruvabharanam. The final decision will be arrived only after consulting the Devaswom board.

On Wednesday, the apex court asked if the ‘Thiruvabharanam’ is safe at Panthalam palace. The question was asked in the context of he infighting within the royal family. The bench headed by NV Ramana asked if the oranments of the deity can be returned to the government and wanted the government to inform their stance on the matter.