Anticipatory Bail Denied in Sabarimala Temple Gold Misappropriation Case

Kerala High Court Denies Pre-Arrest Bail to Key Accused, Emphasizing the Need for Custodial Interrogation in the High-Profile Temple Gold Case

In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has denied anticipatory bail to the accused in the high-profile case involving the alleged misappropriation of gold from the sacred Dwarapalaka plates of the Sabarimala Temple. Justice A. Badharudeen, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of the allegations, which include conspiracy and corruption by senior Devaswom officials.

The case revolves around the misappropriation of gold from the Dwarapalaka sculptures, which were originally gold-cladded, and the subsequent falsification of records to depict them as mere copper plates. The accused include high-ranking officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board, who allegedly conspired to misappropriate temple assets by allowing the gold-cladded plates to be taken out of the temple premises under the guise of repair and gold plating.

The Court highlighted the necessity of custodial interrogation for a thorough investigation, expressing concerns that granting anticipatory bail could impede the ongoing probe. The investigation, led by a Special Investigation Team constituted under the orders of the High Court, has already revealed significant discrepancies and alleged misconduct by the accused.

The defense argued for bail on medical grounds for one of the accused, citing a history of kidney transplantation. However, the Court dismissed these claims, noting the stable medical condition of the accused as per recent medical reports and assured that any necessary medical care would be provided during custody.

The denial of anticipatory bail underscores the Court's commitment to ensuring a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misappropriation, involving a substantial loss of gold from the temple assets, and its determination to hold accountable those in positions of power who may have facilitated the alleged crimes.

Bottom Line:

Anticipatory bail denied to accused involved in conspiracy and misappropriation of gold from sacred Dwarapalaka plates of Sabarimala Temple, considering the gravity of the offence and necessity for custodial interrogation.

Statutory provision(s): 

• - Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 Section 438
• - Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) Section 13(1)(a)
• - Indian Penal Code Sections 120B, 403, 406, 409, 466, 467, and 34

S Sreekumar v. State of Kerala, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2817800