Kerala High Court Closes Sabarimala Flag Mast Case, Finds No Irregularities in Gold Use
The Kerala High Court on Thursday closed proceedings into alleged irregularities in the reconstruction of the flag mast at the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple, accepting the preliminary enquiry report submitted by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).
A division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar approved the findings and ordered that no further proceedings were required in the case.
The VACB examined Devaswom records, including mahazars, and contacted individuals who had contributed gold for the project. While the Devaswom mahazar recorded 412 grams of gold donations, the investigation found the actual quantity to be 300 grams, following which the court approved the closure of the case. The court noted that it was satisfied with the manner in which the enquiry had been conducted.
Gold Utilisation Found Proper
According to the vigilance findings, all the gold received from devotees was properly utilised. The enquiry clarified that around 412 grams of gold had been donated for the reconstruction project, and the entire quantity was used for associated works.
This clarification addresses earlier discrepancies noted in records regarding the quantity of gold received and used.
Statements from Donors, Including Celebrities
As part of the investigation, the VACB recorded statements from 23 individuals who had donated gold. Notably, several prominent contributors included well-known personalities such as Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Priyadarshan, Renji Panicker, and Shaji Kailas.
In total, 27 prominent individuals had contributed gold for the project. However, the vigilance team informed the court that complete details of four donors could not be traced.
Transparency in Collection and Use
The report further stated that the gold donations were received by the then ASP Kurup, who oversaw the process, and that official receipts were issued to contributors by the Devaswom Board. The enquiry found that transparency was maintained in both the collection of gold and the execution of the reconstruction work.
Background of the Case
The High Court had earlier ordered a vigilance probe based on a report submitted by the Sabarimala Chief Vigilance Officer following a complaint by a devotee alleging irregularities. The officer had flagged discrepancies during a preliminary review, suggesting possible offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Subsequently, in February, the VACB constituted a four-member team to conduct a detailed enquiry into the alleged misappropriation of gold and funds.
With the acceptance of the vigilance report confirming proper utilisation of donations and procedural transparency, the High Court has now brought an end to the long-standing controversy surrounding the Sabarimala flag mast reconstruction.