NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Wednesday questioned the Pandalam Palace for keeping in its custody the Thiruvabharanam, the sacred jewellery to be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa during the Makaravilakku ceremony. The court said the palace had no right to keep it in their control. The jewellery was dedicated to God, what right has the Pandalam Palace got on the jewellery after the dedication, asked the court.

Two parties of the royal family had claimed possession of the Thiruvabharanam. The court criticized both parties in this regard. Rama Varma, a member of the Pandalam royal family, had approached the Supreme Court on a complaint that their views on temple administration are not being considered.

The Supreme Court asked whether the ownership of the Thiruvabharanam is for the God or for the royal family. The case will be considered again on Friday. A three-day procession carrying the sacred jewellery Thiruvabharanam is being conducted by the Pandalam Palace.