Kerala High Court Stays Installation Of Panchaloha Idol Of Lord Ayyappa At Sabarimala By Private Individual
The Kerala High Court has stayed a purported order of the Travancore Devaswom Board permitting installation of a Panchaloha idol of Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala Temple by a private individual
The division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S, while hearing a Suo motu case initiated on a report of the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, stayed the order for a period of two weeks.
As per the Commissioner, the said private individual (seventh respondent) started a fund raising campaign and distributed pamphlets with the details of the idol, bank account details, QR code and mobile number— creating an impression that he is authorised to do so by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the State.
Standing Counsel for the Devaswom Board had earlier submitted that the Board has not granted any such permission to install the idol.
The Court in its earlier order had directed the Board to issue an advisory in the virtual Q platform that the Board has not authorised anyone to install an idol of Lord Ayyappa for worship, in the premises of Sabarimala Sree Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, or permitted anyone to collect money from the public for that purpose. The court had also directed Dewaswom Board to produce relevant files pertaining to the permission for installation.
When the matter came for hearing today, the file revealed that a request was placed before the Devaswom board by the respondent to place a Panchaloha idol of Lord Ayyappa in the premises of Sabarimala Temple. While the Board note acknowledged the request, it also noted that the required report from the Devaswom Commissioner was never submitted.
Despite the absence of this report, the President of the Travancore Devaswom Board endorsed and approved the installation of the idol.
However, the Court noted with concern that there is no indication in the records that the opinion of the Thantri (chief priest) was sought before granting such permission. The Court strongly criticised what it described as the "casual approach" adopted by the Board in the matter.
During the proceedings, Senior Government Pleader representing the State Police Chief Coordinator informed the Court that a substantial amount had already been deposited into the bank account printed in the pamphlets.
As no formal complaint had been lodged by the Board or relevant authorities, the Court directed the Chief Police Coordinator, Sabarimala to ensure that a criminal case is registered and that necessary measures are taken to prevent withdrawal of the collected funds by the seventh respondent or anyone associated with Rotary Freedom India Trust.
The Court also directed the Registry to issue a fresh notice by speed post to the seventh respondent, who had failed to respond to previous electronic communications. The Secretary of the TDB has been directed to file an affidavit within a week.
Case Title - Suo Motu v State of Kerala and Ors
Case No - SSCR 18/ 2025
Counsel for Respondent - S Rajmohan (Sr. GP), SC - Travancore Devaswom Board
Amicus Curiae for Sabarimala Special Commissioner - Sayujya Radhakrishnan