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28 June 2026

Sabarimala gold theft case investigation

The case serves as a practical example of issues related to transparency, accountability, and probity in the management of public assets by statutory bodies, though it is a specific local incident rather than a major policy or landmark legal development.

1 min read Day 1 of 5 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Kerala High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating alleged gold theft involving Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) assets.
  • Investigation focuses on the 2025 decision to send gold-plated copper panels from Sabarimala to a private firm (Smart Creations) for electroplating.
  • SIT is examining if the TDB cited non-existent defects to facilitate potential gold pilferage via in-house chemical processes.
  • Concerns raised regarding the necessity of the 2025 work, given a 2019 refurbishment by the same firm included a 40-year warranty for golden sheen and free repairs.
  • Kerala High Court has ordered an inspection of the Ezharapponnana (seven-and-a-half golden elephants) at Ettumanur Mahadeva Temple to verify the quality and originality of gold plates.
  • The court directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the TDB to engage a goldsmith to assess the weight and authenticity of the gold.
  • Allegations suggest that original gold plates on the Ezharapponnana may have been replaced with copper or low-value metals during maintenance.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 5 in Sabarimala gold misappropriation investigation, which has been running since 28 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the role of the judiciary in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of religious endowments and temple assets in India. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The management of temple properties involves complex administrative and ethical challenges. Examine the institutional mechanisms available to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage and the prevention of misappropriation of valuable assets under the control of religious boards. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. The 'Ezharapponnana', recently in the news regarding allegations of gold plate misappropriation, is associated with which temple?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-28/sabarimala-gold-theft-case-investigation