Kerala High Court Orders FIR Over Unauthorised Fundraising From Public for Idol Installation at Sabarimala

The Kerala High Court has directed police to register an FIR against a private individual who allegedly collected public donations for installing a panchaloha idol at the Sabarimala temple by falsely claiming approval from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the State.

The Court found that large sums were deposited into an account under Rotary Freedom India Trust, using pamphlets with QR codes and payment links. The Tantri denied any knowledge of such plans, warning it violated temple customs.

The Court ordered urgent police action, freezing of funds, and a public advisory via the Virtual-Q platform clarifying no official authorisation was granted. (Suo motu v. State of Kerala & Ors)