The Kerala High Court directed the filing of an FIR against a man who raised funds for idol installation at Sabarimala temple. The court questioned, “What is the action taken by the Board apart from our directions?
The Kerala High Court instructed the Chief Police Coordinator at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple to ensure that a first information report (FIR) is filed against an individual who solicited funds for the installation of an idol at the temple.
This case involves Dr. EK Sahadevan, who had received approval from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to set up a panchaloha idol (made from five metals).
However, he was found to have requested financial contributions from the public, falsely claiming authorization from both the TDB and the State government.
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A Division Bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S criticized the TDB for its lack of action, noting that if funds had been solicited for the idol’s installation, the board should have reported it to the police.
Justice Narendran questioned,
“What is the action taken by the Board apart from what was directed by us?”
Given that significant amounts had already been deposited into a bank account associated with the pamphlet distributed by Sahadevan, the Court ordered the police to act swiftly.
The Court declared,
“Since the concerned official of the [Travancore Devaswom] Board has not filed a complaint before the SHO, Pamba Police Station, we deem it appropriate to direct the Chief Police Coordinator to ensure that a crime is registered, necessary steps are taken, and the amount credited is not withdrawn by any person or the 7th respondent (Sahadevan) in the name of Rotary Freedom India Trust.”
This order stemmed from a report by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, which highlighted the pamphlet Sahadevan circulated to solicit donations, including a bank account number, QR code, and mobile number.
The pamphlet announced plans for a 2-foot tall, 108 kg idol with an estimated cost of Rs. 9 lakh, with the bank account listed under ‘Rotary Freedom India Trust.’
In response to a question from the Special Commissioner, the Tantri stated he was unaware of any such idol installation and noted that placing another idol within the temple could violate rituals and compromise the sanctity of the main deity.
The Commissioner urged the Court to conduct an immediate investigation and issue strict measures to prevent unauthorized activities at the temple.
The Court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to release a notice on the ‘virtual-Q’ platform, clarifying that the Board had not authorized anyone to install an idol or collect funds for such purposes at Sabarimala.
Since Sahadevan did not appear before the Court after being notified via email, a fresh notice will be sent to him through speed post.
The case will be reviewed in two weeks.
Advocate Sayujya Radhakrishnan served as Amicus Curiae for the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, while Senior Government Pleader S Rajmohan represented the state.
Case Title: Suo motu v. State of Kerala & Ors.