Verdict on bail application of former Travancore Devaswom Board president expected on March 4

The Kollam Vigilance Court is expected to deliver its verdict on the bail plea of A. Padmakumar, former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and ex-MLA, in the alleged theft of gold from the dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple on Wednesday (March 4, 2026).

Mr. Padmakumar, who was arrested on November 20, argues in his petition that he is entitled to statutory bail as the investigation team has failed to file a chargesheet even 90 days after his arrest. Having already secured statutory bail last month in a related case involving the theft of gold from the temple’s doorframe (Kattilappali), a favorable ruling on Wednesday will pave the way for his release from prison.

In a parallel development related to the Sabarimala cases, the court will hear a medical petition filed by Pankaj Bhandari, owner of Chennai-based Smart Creations, who is currently in judicial remand, on Thursday. Mr. Bhandari has sought permission to undergo treatment for a skin ailment at a private hospital in Chennai. While the court had previously sought a medical report from the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, where he is presently admitted, the prosecution requested more time to submit the document. The legal representatives for Mr. Bhandari have urged the court to allow him access to private medical care within Kerala if the Chennai request is denied, rather than relying solely on government hospital facilities.