Kerala High Court Orders Probe into Unauthorized Idol Installation at Sabarimala Temple

The Kerala High Court has ordered a probe into alleged permission granted by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to install an idol of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala temple. The court also directed the Chief Police Coordinator to report on the distribution of pamphlets to mobilize funds for the idol. The court sought all files related to the alleged permission granted by TDB and initiated proceedings based on a report filed by Sabarimala Special Commissioner.

The Kerala High Court has directed a probe into allegations that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) granted permission to install an idol of Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala temple. The court, while holding a suo motu hearing, also ordered the Chief Police Coordinator to submit a report on the distribution of pamphlets to mobilize funds for the idol. Additionally, the Sabarimala Special Commissioner was directed to inspect whether idols and cash-donation boxes had been placed illegally on the Sannidhanam premises and submit a report [1].

The court's intervention follows a report by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, R. Jayakrishnan, which noted that the TDB had permitted E K Sahadevan, the chairman of Lotus Multispeciality Hospital and IVF Fertility Centre in Erode, to install a 2-foot high idol made of panchaloham (an alloy of five precious metals). The idol weighs 108 kg and costs ₹9 lakh. The report also noted the distribution of pamphlets containing bank account numbers and mobile numbers for fundraising [1].

The Sabarimala Tantri, who is unaware of the alleged attempt to install the idol, has stated that it violates temple rituals and affects the sanctity of the principal deity. The court has directed the TDB to clarify on the Virtual-Q platform that no person has been authorized to install such an idol or collect funds [2].

The government's counsel informed the court that the police have started a probe into the issue and steps have been taken to inform pilgrims about this through the virtual queue platform. The court has adjourned the matter and directed the TDB's standing counsel to produce relevant files by Friday [2].

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-hc-asks-whether-there-are-illegal-installation-of-idols-donation-boxes-on-sabarimala-premises/article69828459.ece
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/fund-drive-for-sabarimala-idol-kerala-hc-intervenes/articleshow/122656044.cms