Fresh reports emerged on Sunday that the gold-plated copper plates from the Sabarimala temple have been returned after repairs. The plates are reportedly stored in the Devaswom strong room and will be reinstated in the temple only after receiving court permission. Further details are awaited.

Kerala HC probe into gold plating discrepancies continues

The development comes amid a Kerala High Court-ordered investigation into alleged discrepancies in the temple’s gold plating project. 

A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, also Superintendent of Police of the Travancore Devaswom Board, to conduct a thorough enquiry into the alleged loss of gold from the ‘Dwarapalaka idols’ — the door guardians of Sabarimala temple.

Controversy over removal of plates

The issue arose when the Board removed the gold-plated copper coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols for repair and electroplating without notifying the Sabarimala Special Commissioner or the Court.

Originally created in 1999, the idols were sent in 2019, following a request from sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti, for re-plating to Chennai-based firm Smart Creations. It was during this period that approximately four kilograms of gold reportedly went missing.

Registers to be returned for proper investigation

The court also directed that registers submitted by the Chief Security Officers be returned to facilitate a proper investigation. The Travancore Devaswom Board has been instructed to fully cooperate with the Chief Vigilance Officer to ensure the truth of the matter is revealed.

Senior government pleader S Rajmohan represented the State, while standing counsel G Biju appeared for the Travancore Devaswom Board. Advocate Sayujya Radhakrishnan appeared as amicus curiae for the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. Advocates R. Sudhish and M. Manju represented Unnikrishnan Potti.