Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday conducted in-camera proceedings in the suo motu case concerning the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala Temple. Notably, the Bench ordered an inquiry into the plating of sanctum (Sreekovil) doors, reportedly linked to the alleged misappropriation. This directs the SIT to investigate the conduct of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials and main accused Unnikrishnan Potti in relation to the main sanctum door, as well as the Board’s 2025 actions that allegedly bypassed court orders and the Devaswom Manual.

A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Balakrishnan noted that what initially seemed a procedural lapse has revealed grave irregularities and possible misappropriation, allegedly with the active connivance of TDB officials.

The court reviewed the history of the gold-plating controversy and earlier judicial interventions.

Court records show that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged loss appeared before the Bench to report on progress. A report on the investigation has been placed before the Court, the Bench said, observing that the probe is moving in the right direction.

Travancore Devaswom Board records seized

As previously directed, the Minutes Book and other records of the Travancore Devaswom Board have been seized, with copies produced in court. The Bench stressed that board minutes must be signed by members and entered into official records promptly.

However, the court noted irregularities. On perusal of the Minutes Book, we find that the Travancore Devaswom Board has prepared the minutes and entries only till July 28, 2025 and same is irregular, it observed.

The Bench also highlighted that communications granting permission for repairs and gold plating of the Dwarapalakas at Smart Creations Chennai were not entered in the board’s Minutes Book, raising serious concerns over incomplete documentation.

The High Court has authorised the SIT to carry out scientific investigations, including collecting gold samples from various locations to determine the exact quantity lost.

The court expressed concern that Unnikrishnan Potti, entrusted with significant autonomy at Sabarimala, may have received undue freedom in his actions. It noted that several transactions involving Potti were allegedly conducted with TDB officials’ collusion.

The objective of the Devaswom Board is to protect the deity’s property. Whether the Devaswom officials fall within the ambit of anti-corruption laws must also be examined by the SIT, the court directed.

SIT and Devaswom Vigilance reports

During Wednesday’s proceedings, the court considered the SIT’s second-phase investigation report, with SP S. Shashidhar appearing in person. The Bench questioned him directly on ongoing concerns.

Meanwhile, the Devaswom Vigilance submitted another report on correspondence linked to the gold loss, marking its fourth submission related to the case. The investigation is running alongside the SIT probe.