In Thiruvananthapuram, a major court decision has shaken up the Sabarimala temple scene.
On Friday the Kerala High Court ordered a fresh investigation and an FIR in the long‑stalled Sabarimala gold‑theft case. Congress leader V. D. Satheesan welcomed the move, calling it the “long‑overdue corrective action” that finally exposes attempts by the state government and the Devaswom Board to hide the scandal.
Satheesan, who leads the opposition in the Kerala Assembly, said the verdict proves that the opposition’s doubts were justified. “Those who tried to sell temple assets will now face the law,” he told reporters.
### Court spots serious irregularities
The High Court found serious wrongdoings not only with the Dwarapalaka idol but also in the temple steps and structures. It says fake molds were made while the original idol was tampered with. A special investigation team will report straight to the court, bypassing other authorities, easing devotees’ worry about political interference. Former Devaswom ministers and board presidents are named as parties to be probed.
### Questioning temple asset management
Satheesan raised concerns over how Ayyappa’s yogadanda and Rudraksha mala were handed to the Devaswom Board president’s son for gold‑plating. The items were not removed from the temple, but the leader wants clarity on why they were entrusted in that way, citing a need to safeguard temple assets better. He said the government and the board knew about the irregularities and tried to cover them up.
### Wider impact and next steps
Similar cover‑up attempts were reported at the Ettumanoor temple, but quick action by devotees stopped losses there. Official records confirm the Dwarapalaka idol was broken. Satheesan urged that everyone involved—especially those aware of the 2019 transactions—be brought before the law.
The Kerala Congress has announced a louder protest campaign. A major march will begin in Pandalam on October 18, with the plan to spread the protests to nearby states that send many devotees, such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
The High Court’s intervention is seen as a critical step toward restoring accountability for Sabarimala temple assets and ensuring justice for devotees who rely on the shrine’s sanctity.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
