Kerala High Court Directs Timeline for Rectification of Defects in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple main Idol
The Kerala High Court on Monday (09 February) has directed the executive committee of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to submit a clear timeline for completing the rectification of defects identified in the temple’s moolavigraham (main idol). The directive was issued by a division bench comprising Justices Devan Ramachandran and M.B. Snehalatha while hearing petitions seeking urgent corrective action.
The petitions were filed by R. Rajasekharan Pillai of Kayamkulam and others, requesting the court to instruct the temple’s administrative committee to take immediate steps to address the defects in the principal idol. Taking note of the concerns raised, the bench ordered the executive committee — which includes the chief tanthri — to hold continuous meetings with the expert committee, if possible, to finalize a work schedule and submit a detailed report within 10 days.
During an earlier hearing, the High Court had asked the temple authorities, including the tanthri, to provide reports specifying timelines for each component of the rectification work and the proposed method of execution. While counsel representing the chief tanthri informed the court that a process and tentative timeline had been worked out, the administrative committee sought additional time to evaluate the competence of the shilpis (traditional sculptors) assigned to carry out the work.
Expressing concern over the delay, the court orally observed that it would not permit any further postponement in commencing the rectification. The bench reiterated its direction that a firm timeline must be furnished within 10 days.
Previously, temple authorities had requested more time to begin the rectification, citing the conduct of major rituals including Murajapam and the Lakshadeepam ceremony. The court had allowed the request at that time. However, it noted in the latest hearing that the rectification work had still not begun even after the completion of those rituals.
The matter will be reviewed after the executive committee submits its timeline and progress report.