'Ambiguity regarding ornaments in Sannidhanam'; High Court orders investigation in Sabarimala gold pedestal controversy
KOCHI: The High Court ordered a detailed investigation into the gold pedestal controversy in Sabarimala. The court ordered that a retired judge investigate the matter in detail. The order is from the Devaswom bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan. The Devaswom Commissioner had appeared and apprised the court about the matter. The court also clarified that a detailed investigation be carried out regarding the entire affairs in Sabarimala Sannidhanam.
The court, in its findings, expressed suspicion over mysteries regarding the golden pedestal in the temple.
High Court:
“There is ambiguity and doubt in the figures. The registers in Sannidhanam are incomplete. Matters are ambiguous, including the ornaments in the Sannidhanam. Therefore, a judge who has retired with the rank of district judge should investigate the matter. The investigation should be confidential.
There is suspicion about the gold plating done on the pedestal. An inventory of the items in the strong room should be taken. The total number of valuable ornaments of the lord in the sanctum sanctorum should be examined and accounted for. The Thiruvabharanam register should be examined. The Devaswom Board can suggest the retired judge of their choice to lead the investigation, but the final decision rests within the court. The vigilance team should continue the detailed investigation. The investigation report should be submitted to the court. This report should not be passed towards Devaswom officials. The case will be considered again on the 15th of next month."
The High Court ordered a vigilance investigation after a weight loss was reported in the gold plating and supporting pedestals of the Dwarapalaka sculptures in Sabarimala, which were returned after repair works. The copper coverings and supporting pedestals had gold cladding in 1999 itself, and the court even passed a sardonic question at the officials, asking whether gold evaporates like petrol?