Court directs strict adherence to timelines for investigation and prosecution sanction in two temple gold theft cases, emphasizing expeditious conclusion
In a significant development concerning the alleged removal of gold from temple idols and structures, the Kerala High Court, in a suo motu writ petition, has granted a limited extension to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to finalize charge sheets and obtain prosecution sanction in two related criminal cases. The orders were passed by the Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar on October 7, 2026.
The two criminal cases, Crime No. 3700 of 2025 and Crime No. 3701 of 2025, pertain to the removal of gold from the Dwarapalaka idol plates and side plates, and from the cladded gold on the side frames and connected plates of the Sreekovil in a temple, respectively. These cases had drawn the court's attention due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the involvement of temple property.
During the hearing, the Court noted that earlier directions issued on September 3, 2026, had ordered the SIT to expedite investigation and file the final report for Crime No. 3701 by September 25, 2026. However, the SIT informed the Court that the National Metallurgical Laboratory requested additional time to submit the analysis report, which was now expected by October 12, 2026. The SIT also produced a draft charge sheet citing 292 witnesses, underscoring the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the investigation.
The Court observed that the draft charge sheet included offences under Section 13(1)(a) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, necessitating prosecution sanction before filing the final report. Consequently, the Court granted the SIT time until October 25, 2026, to finalize the charge sheet and initiate the process for obtaining prosecution sanction in Crime No. 3701.
Regarding Crime No. 3700, the SIT reported that the case had been expanded to include incidents related to the transportation of the Dwarapalakas in 2025. The Court accepted the SIT's submission that after receiving the required analysis report, the charge sheet could be finalized and prosecution sanction requested by November 25, 2026. The Court accordingly directed the SIT to adhere strictly to this timeline.
Reiterating the importance of expeditious investigation, the Court emphasized that relevant forensic and metallurgical reports have now been received and that the investigation in both cases is at an advanced stage. The SIT was instructed to make every effort to conclude the investigation promptly and without any further delay.
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 26, 2026, to review the progress of the investigation.
This development highlights the judiciary's proactive role in overseeing investigations related to temple property and corruption offences, ensuring accountability and timely justice.
Bottom Line:
Court monitored investigation - In temple gold removal cases, High Court granted limited extension of time to Special Investigation Team to finalise charge sheets and to take steps for obtaining prosecution sanction under Prevention of Corruption Act, while directing strict adherence to timelines.
Statutory provision(s):
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 Sections 13(1)(a), 13(2)
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2992789
