Specialized tests at National Metallurgical Laboratory delay probe; court allows two more weeks for completion
The Kerala High Court has granted an additional two weeks for the completion of a critical investigation concerning the alleged swapping and manipulation of gold cladded copper plates, a case that has seen widespread attention due to its complexity and the involvement of intricate scientific analyses. The decision was made in the case titled "Suo Motu As Per The Order v. State Of Kerala," heard by a division bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar.
The court's order, issued on May 18, 2026, acknowledges the substantial efforts made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in probing the matter, which includes the interrogation of 391 witnesses and detailed inspections at multiple locations across Chennai and Bengaluru. Despite these efforts, the investigation has been delayed due to pending scientific tests at the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) in Jamshedpur.
The court noted that 36 samples had been sent to NML for specialized tests, including X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS), and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES). These tests are crucial for determining the elemental composition and metallurgical details of the gold plating, which are indispensable for ascertaining the nature of the alleged criminal activities and the extent of involvement of various individuals.
The Investigating Officer informed the court that the delay in receiving the analysis report from NML was a significant hindrance, as these tests are not conducted elsewhere in the country. The final report from NML is expected within ten days, which will enable the SIT to conclusively determine the details of the gold plating and proceed with fixing culpability.
Acknowledging the necessity of these scientific reports, the Kerala High Court has granted the SIT a further two weeks to conclude their investigation. The bench emphasized that the results from NML are vital for a proper understanding of the case facts and for determining the involvement and liability of the accused parties. The court scheduled the next hearing for June 8, 2026, and expressed its satisfaction with the investigative efforts thus far, while recognizing the challenges posed by the need for specialized scientific analyses.
Bottom line:-
Investigation procedure - Delay in completing the investigation due to non-receipt of scientific analysis report from the National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur - Court grants additional time for completion of investigation.
Statutory provision(s): Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Suo Motu As Per The Order v. State Of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2901028
