The Kerala High Court has directed a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the gold-plated copper coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala temple. The court’s order follows findings that pointed to a notable reduction in the weight of gold used for the plating, raising questions about possible misuse of temple property and lapses in oversight.

High Court expresses concern over missing gold

During proceedings, the court noted discrepancies between the quantity of gold reportedly provided for plating and the amount recovered after completion. The bench expressed deep concern over what it described as potential impropriety in handling sacred materials belonging to one of Kerala’s most revered pilgrimage sites. It emphasized that transparency and accountability must be maintained in all temple-related transactions, particularly those involving valuable offerings.

Special team to lead detailed investigation

To ensure impartiality, the Kerala High Court has constituted a special team to conduct a thorough probe into the matter. The team will examine every stage of the plating process—from procurement and documentation to execution and final verification. Officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple’s affairs, are expected to cooperate fully with investigators as they review records and statements linked to the project.

Role of sponsor under scrutiny

According to details cited by the court, one of the sponsors involved in funding the gold-plating work allegedly sought to retrieve leftover gold for personal use at a family wedding. This revelation has intensified scrutiny over how donations and materials intended for religious purposes were managed. The court remarked that such actions, if proven true, would represent a serious breach of trust and could undermine public faith in temple administration practices.

Travancore Devaswom Board officials questioned

The investigation will also assess whether any officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board were aware of or complicit in potential irregularities. The court underscored that those responsible for overseeing religious assets bear a duty to safeguard them with utmost integrity. Any negligence or misconduct discovered during the inquiry could lead to disciplinary or legal consequences under applicable laws governing temple management.

Ensuring accountability in temple administration

The case has reignited discussions about financial transparency within institutions managing religious properties across Kerala. Legal experts have noted that while temples often rely on donations from devotees and sponsors for maintenance and renovation projects, strict monitoring mechanisms are essential to prevent misuse or diversion of resources. The High Court’s decision is seen as an important step toward reinforcing those safeguards.

In its directive, the Kerala High Court reiterated that faith-based institutions must uphold both spiritual and ethical standards when handling offerings made by devotees. By ordering a full-fledged investigation into the Sabarimala gold-plating controversy, the court aims to restore confidence among worshippers and ensure that every gram of donated material is accounted for with precision and honesty.