Panchaloha idol: High Court orders detailed probe into fundraising campaign

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident in which an individual solicited donations by distributing pamphlets claiming that he had obtained permission to install a Panchaloha idol of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. A Devaswom Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice S. Murali Krishnan directed the Special Commissioner to inspect whether any idols or donation boxes had been placed illegally at Sannidhanam or its surroundings, and to submit a report.

The government informed the court that a police investigation has already been initiated. As per the court’s earlier instructions, warning boards have been installed on the Virtual Queue platform to caution devotees against such donation campaigns.

The fundraising campaign was reportedly launched by Dr. E.K. Sahadevan, Chairman of Lotus Multispeciality Hospital in Erode, Tamil Nadu. While some communication had taken place regarding the initiative, the Devaswom Board had previously confirmed that no official approval had been granted. The High Court had sought the related documents, but the Board has requested additional time to produce them. As a result, the hearing has been postponed to Tuesday.

Devaswom Board evades questions
When the High Court asked whether permission had been granted to install the Panchaloha idol and if the Thantri had approved it, the Devaswom Board failed to give a clear answer. Instead, they attempted to explain that a picture of Lord Ayyappa had been placed inside the Annadanamandapam. The court questioned the necessity of placing such a picture in the Annadanamandapam.

Following this, the court instructed the Special Commissioner to check for any unauthorised installation of idols and submit a report. The Sabarimala Chief Police Coordinator was also directed to examine notices distributed by private individuals and file a report.