Kerala High Court Suggests Special Law to Protect Temple Assets in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case

The Kerala High Court, while hearing bail pleas in the Sabarimala gold theft case, observed that existing mechanisms are inadequate to protect temple assets and suggested the enactment of a special statute with penal provisions.

The Court held that mere violation of the Devaswom Manual may invite disciplinary action, but misuse of official duty resulting in criminal acts attracts criminal liability. 

It observed that recurring instances of misappropriation of temple properties warrant a dedicated legislative framework, such as a Kerala State Devaswom Property Protection and Preservation Act. 

The Court reserved its verdict on the bail applications of the accused.

[Roddam Pandurangaiah Naga Govardhan v. State of Kerala & connected cases]