HC grants more time to Sabarimala SIT to submit report

The Kerala High Court has granted more time to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple to submit its report before the court.

The gold samples that the SIT collected (from the ‘untouched’ corner pillar plate, gold-plated side pillar plates, and Dwarapalaka idol plates) had been forwarded for scientific analysis to the National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur.

The SIT submitted before the court that the laboratory had informed that the results could be furnished only by the last week of April, since intricate and specialised procedures were involved. Subsequently, the court posted the matter for further hearing on May 18. The court had earlier this year directed the SIT to conclude the investigation on or before March 31.

“Considering the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, unless the laboratory report is received, it would not be possible for the SIT to submit a final and conclusive report. In view of this, we are inclined to grant it further time to conclude the investigation,” a Division Bench of the court said, adding that it was satisfied that the investigation was proceeding in a proper and systematic manner.

Flagpost renovation

The court further directed that the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau may close the proceedings in the renovation/installation of a new flag mast at the temple in 2017. Expressing satisfaction with the manner in which the inquiry had been conducted, the court said it was inclined to accept the preliminary inquiry report submitted by the VACB.

“We find that the VACB has done a detailed and meticulous inquiry. The report reveals that, as per the Devaswom mahazars and records, a total of 412.010 gm of gold was shown as having been received from devotees for the construction of the flag mast at Sabarimala. On the basis of the preliminary inquiry and the documentary as well as oral evidence collected, it has been concluded that there is no material to suggest any criminal misappropriation or criminal breach of trust in respect of the gold donated by devotees for the flag mast installation process in 2017,” it observed.