‘Casual, Negligent’: Kerala HC Pulls Up TDB Over Missing Gold at Sabarimala

The proceedings were triggered by revelations that the gold cladding of the Dwarapalaka idols and their Peedams had been removed without the knowledge of the Special Commissioner. Investigations showed that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) had, in violation of its own procedures, handed over the gold coverings directly to a private individual, Mr. Unnikrishnan Potty (7th respondent), in 2019. According to the Sub-Group Manual, such repairs were to be carried out strictly within the Sannidhanam premises.

Records established that the idols were first gold-plated in 1999 with the Board’s sanction. Photographic evidence from 2013 confirmed that the idols, Peedams, and staircases were fully gold-cladded. Yet, the High Court found glaring lapses in documentation. No registers were maintained to record the quantity of gold used, and no systematic account of cladding material existed.

Moreover, mahazars revealed a weight discrepancy. While the items entrusted in July 2019 weighed more, the returned items in August 2019 showed a reduction of 4.541 kilograms. Compounding the irregularities, officials failed to record the weight of the idols and Peedams during reinstallation in September 2019.

The Vigilance Officer’s search operations on September 27, 2025, in a raid at the residence of Mini, sister of Mr. Potty, led to the recovery of gold-plated Peedams concealed in a sealed cover. Court noted that Mr. Potty had failed to disclose possession of these Peedams in his affidavit, describing the concealment as a sensational and shocking development.

The bench criticised Devaswom officials for entrusting priceless items to a private sponsor with “questionable antecedents".

The High Court expressed dismay at the “casual and negligent” approach of the TDB in handling sacred temple wealth and pointed out systemic failures in maintaining records.

While the Thiruvabharanam Register documents ornaments, silver, precious stones, and other offerings, there were no registers for key temple assets such as the Dwajasthambham, Dwarapalakas, and Peedams.

To restore accountability, the court appointed Justice K.T. Sankaran, former judge of the Kerala High Court, to oversee the preparation of a digitized inventory of all valuables.

Justice Sankaran has been tasked with engaging a reputed jewel appraiser of proven expertise to conduct a thorough appraisal of valuables in the strong room and those listed in the Thiruvabharanam Register. Court directed that the process remain confidential, meant solely for internal safeguarding and not public dissemination.

Additionally, the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer has been directed to continue the probe expeditiously, focusing not only on the discrepancies but also on the lapses of TDB officials who allowed such mismanagement. Court emphasised that temple assets must be meticulously documented to prevent misuse or pilferage.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on October 27, 2025.

Case Title: Suo Motu vs State of Kerala and Ors

Order Date: September 29, 2025

Bench: Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar