Kochi: The Kerala High Court has formally closed the case concerning alleged irregularities in the 2017 Sabarimala flagmast (Kodimaram) reconsecration, following a detailed vigilance report. The court clarified that no further action is necessary.

The vigilance report stated that all gold contributions collected from devotees for the flagmast construction were used entirely for that purpose. It confirmed there was no evidence of misappropriation. All the gold donated was used fully for the construction, and there is no proof of any misappropriation, the report noted. Following this review, the High Court decided to discontinue the case.

Vigilance probe finds no wrongdoing

The case initially surfaced when the High Court was approached to demand an investigation against the earlier UDF administration. This was during the period when the Sabarimala gold theft case had implicated the state government and ruling CPM leaders. The Devaswom Vigilance submitted a report alleging irregularities in the flagstaff reconsecration. The court then instructed the state vigilance chief to verify whether any case needed to be filed.

The probe revealed that 27 individuals, including film stars Suresh Gopi, Mohanlal, and Dileep, from across India had contributed gold for the flagmast. Detailed statements were obtained from 23 contributors, while four could not be traced due to incomplete addresses. The investigation confirmed that all contributions were used for construction, with no evidence suggesting any misconduct.

Political relief for UDF ahead of elections

The court’s decision offers relief to the UDF ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Allegations of irregularities in the flagmast construction arose during Prayar Gopalakrishnan’s (former Congress MLA too) tenure as President of the Travancore Devaswom Board (UDF appointed administration). The ruling brings particular relief to Congress leader Ajay Tharayil, who was a Board member at the time.