Sabarimala's Golden Scandal: Kerala High Court Orders Full SIT Probe into Flag Mast Irregularities

A storm of controversy is brewing around one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites, the Sabarimala Ayyappan temple. The sacred precincts, usually a beacon of spiritual solace, are now at the heart of a full-blown investigation following serious allegations concerning its gleaming golden flag mast (kodimaram).

The Kerala High Court has stepped in with a decisive order, directing the state police chief to register a formal case and assemble a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to unearth the truth behind the alleged gold irregularities.

The genesis of this escalating scandal dates back to 2017, when a new golden flag mast, reportedly costing Rs 3.5 crore, was installed.

It replaced an older mast that had been damaged. The current predicament stems from a petition filed by devout follower T.G. Mohan Das, who meticulously detailed alarming discrepancies in the quantity and purity of gold claimed to have been used for the iconic structure. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, had initially stated that 30 kilograms of gold adorned the mast.

However, Mohan Das's petition sharply countered this, alleging that a mere 20 kilograms of gold was actually utilized, raising a startling question about the missing precious metal and its value.

Beyond the sheer quantity, the purity of the gold itself has been called into question. These allegations paint a grim picture of potential large-scale misappropriation of both gold and public funds—donations meant for a sacred purpose now under a cloud of suspicion.

The gravity of these claims prompted the Kerala High Court to initiate a preliminary inquiry, tasking the Director General of Police (DGP) with an initial fact-finding mission.

The DGP's preliminary report proved to be a critical turning point. It not only identified tangible discrepancies but also sharply criticized the TDB for its glaring failure to maintain proper records and adequately supervise the installation work.

This lack of oversight and accountability further fueled the court's resolve to pursue a thorough investigation. Recognizing the depth and complexity of the allegations, a division bench comprising Justices Anil K. Narendran and P.G. Ajithkumar issued the stringent directive for an FIR to be registered and a specialized SIT to be constituted.

The newly formed SIT will be a formidable force, led by an officer no less than the rank of Superintendent of Police, and will include members from the state's vigilant Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Their mandate is comprehensive: to meticulously investigate every facet of the alleged crime, leaving no stone unturned, and to submit a detailed report directly to the High Court. This high-stakes probe promises to bring much-needed clarity and justice to a controversy that has cast a shadow over one of Kerala's most significant spiritual landmarks.