The Kerala High Court proposed the enactment of a comprehensive law to safeguard temple assets, emphasizing the need for strict penalties to combat negligence and misappropriation. This suggestion arose during a hearing related to the Sabarimala gold theft case, which has highlighted concerns about the protection of temple properties. Former officials and a jeweler, accused in the misappropriation of gold from Sabarimala, sought bail before the court.
Justice A. Badharudeen recommended the introduction of a law tentatively named the ‘Kerala State Devaswom Properties Protection and Preservation Act’ to hold individuals accountable for offenses involving temple assets. The court pointed out that existing regulations only allow for disciplinary action, not criminal charges, in cases of manual violations related to temple properties. The judiciary stressed the importance of ensuring the protection of temple assets, given the increasing instances of misappropriation.
The court urged the Additional Director General of Prosecution to engage with senior officials and propose the new legislation to the government. The bail pleas in the gold theft case remain pending, with 12 individuals already under arrest and in judicial custody. A Special Investigation Team appointed by the Kerala High Court has identified 15 individuals in connection with the theft, while the Enforcement Directorate has initiated a PMLA case despite opposition from the state government.
