Supreme Court Criticizes Sabarimala Gold Theft, Signals No Anticipatory Bail for Accused
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sharply criticized the alleged gold theft linked to the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, indicating that anticipatory bail will not be granted to those involved in the case. The observation came while the court was hearing the anticipatory bail plea of former Devaswom Board Secretary S. Jayashree, the fourth accused in the matter.
A bench headed by Justice Dipankar Datta considered Jayashree’s plea and extended the interim order restraining her arrest. However, the court directed her to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on February 18 for questioning.
During the hearing, Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, another member of the bench, made sharp remarks regarding the seriousness of the allegations. Referring to media reports, he noted that gold from various parts of Sabarimala, including the temple flag mast, was reportedly stolen. Taking note of submissions about Jayashree’s health condition, the judge observed that medical treatment could be arranged at AIIMS and also inquired whether an AIIMS facility is available in Kerala. The decision to extend protection from arrest was issued after consultations within the bench.
The SIT opposed Jayashree’s anticipatory bail plea, informing the court that her role in the alleged irregularities is clearly established. In its affidavit, the SIT stated that she acted contrary to Devaswom Board decisions and must be subjected to custodial interrogation for effective investigation.
According to the probe agency, Jayashree allegedly manipulated official Devaswom Board minutes. Investigators claim she recorded that copper sheets were to be handed over to Unnikrishnan Potty, and also falsely documented that certain sheets covering the Dwarapalaka idol were copper-coated despite knowing they were gold-plated. These details are also reflected in the FIR.
Jayashree had initially approached the court seeking relief on medical grounds. A native of Thiruvalla, she currently resides in Kakkanad. She served as Devaswom Board Secretary from July 2017 to December 2019 and later functioned as Thiruvabharanam Commissioner until her retirement in May 2020.
The case continues to be investigated by the SIT, with further proceedings expected after Jayashree’s appearance before the investigation team.