Kerala High Court Reopens Scrutiny in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case

Kochi, March 2026 : In a major development in the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday stayed a trial court’s observation that there was no evidence against temple tantri Kantarar Rajeevar, effectively reopening legal scrutiny into the matter.

The interim order came as a response to an appeal filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which challenged the remarks made by a trial court in Kollam. The SIT argued that such observations could adversely impact the ongoing investigation and potentially prejudice the case.

Taking note of these concerns, the High Court not only stayed the controversial remarks but also issued a notice to Rajeevar, seeking his response. The court further admitted a plea seeking cancellation of his bail, signalling that the case will now undergo deeper judicial examination in the coming days.

Rajeevar had been released on bail last month after spending 41 days in custody. However, the trial court’s earlier statement that there was no evidence against him had sparked criticism, with investigators maintaining that the probe was still incomplete and that such conclusions were premature.

The case is linked to the alleged theft of gold associated with the Sabarimala Temple, one of India’s most prominent pilgrimage sites. Given the temple’s immense religious significance, the case has drawn widespread public attention and sensitivity.

By staying the trial court’s observations, the High Court has ensured that the investigation can proceed independently, without being influenced by earlier judicial comments. This move is expected to strengthen the SIT’s efforts to uncover the full extent of the alleged theft and identify those responsible.

So far, 13 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, of whom nine have already been granted bail. The developments indicate that legal proceedings are far from over and may intensify as the High Court continues to hear the matter.

The case has also taken on political significance, emerging as a key issue ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala. Major political fronts, including the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Left Democratic Front (LDF), and United Democratic Front (UDF), are expected to highlight the issue during campaigning.

With the High Court now closely monitoring the case, the investigation is set to gain momentum, keeping both legal and political circles on edge.