Kerala High Court Warns Media Against Sensationalism in Sabarimala Gold Case
The Kerala High Court has cautioned media houses against sensationalising the ongoing investigation into the alleged loss of gold from the gold-plated copper plates of the Dwarapalaka (door guardian) idols at the Sabarimala temple.
A Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar made the observation while hearing a suo motu case titled Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Ors. The Court said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) it had appointed has only just begun its probe, and premature or speculative reporting could harm both the investigation and the rights of the accused.
The judges stated that while a free press plays a vital role in keeping the public informed, irresponsible and exaggerated coverage can interfere with fair trial rights and the course of justice.
“It is the public’s right to know about ongoing matters, but trials must remain fair and unbiased. Unfortunately, media platforms are giving space to individuals with little knowledge of the issue, leading to contradictory reports,” the Bench remarked.
The Court expressed concern that even individuals with mobile phones and cameras were broadcasting unverified information, potentially violating the rights of those involved. It urged the media to show restraint and avoid sensationalism.
Background of the Case
The Court initiated the proceedings on its own after receiving a report from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. The report raised concerns that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) had sent the gold-plated copper coverings for repair to a Chennai-based company, Smart Creations, without informing the Court or the commissioner.
According to the report, the coverings were handed over under the sponsorship of a devotee, Unnikrishnan Potti. Records showed that 42.8 kg of items were given to him for delivery, but the company’s register noted receiving only 38 kg, revealing a discrepancy of nearly 5 kg.
A vigilance inquiry later found that some of the gold-plated pedhams (ornamental items) were recovered from the home of Potti’s sister. Officials also found missing entries in the Thiruvabharanam diary—which records gold ornaments offered by devotees—and inconsistencies in the TDB’s record books.
Court’s Directions
Taking note of these irregularities, the High Court appointed retired judge Justice KT Sankaran to supervise a complete inventory of all the valuables at the Sabarimala temple. The Court also constituted an SIT to conduct an independent and detailed probe.
During the latest hearing, the Court was informed that Justice Sankaran would visit the temple over the weekend to begin his supervision. The Court also directed the State Police Chief, who is heading the SIT, to register a case and file fortnightly progress reports in sealed covers.
Importantly, the Bench reiterated that SIT officers must not speak to the media about the case while the investigation is in progress.
The matter will be heard again after ten days.
Appearances
- S Rajmohan, Senior Government Pleader – for the State
- G Biju, Standing Counsel – for the Travancore Devaswom Board
- Sayujya Radhakrishnan, Amicus Curiae – for the Sabarimala Special Commissioner
- R Sudhish and M Manju – for Unnikrishnan Potti
