Kerala HC Observation Vindicates Opposition’s Stand on Sabarimala Gold-Plating Row: Satheesan

November 5, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan on Wednesday said the Kerala High Court’s recent observations in the ongoing Sabarimala gold-plating case have validated the Opposition’s long-held allegation that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) acted with “undue haste” in transporting the Dwarapalaka (temple gatekeeper) sculptures for gold-plating.

“The High Court has confirmed what we have been saying all along — that the TDB showed unnecessary urgency in moving the sculptures,” Satheesan said while addressing reporters.

He added that the court’s remarks also reinforced the Opposition’s claim that Unnikrishnan Potti, the first accused in the case, had functioned as the de facto authority at Sabarimala, bypassing established administrative procedures.

Demand for Arrest of Former Devaswom Commissioner

Satheesan demanded the immediate arrest of former Devaswom Commissioner N. Vasu, alleging that the major irregularities occurred under his tenure.

“Potti had emailed Vasu on December 9, 2019, saying that some gold sheets remained and could be used for a poor woman’s wedding. Vasu himself has admitted receiving this email,” he revealed.

The Opposition leader further pointed out that Vasu, who later became TDB president, was appointed to the post shortly after the scam surfaced, claiming the move reflected his political influence within the CPI-M and the state government.

“Everyone knows that if Vasu is arrested, ministers and senior CPI-M leaders will also be exposed,” Satheesan alleged.

Call for Devaswom Board’s Resignation

The Congress leader said the current TDB had “no moral right to continue in office”, since the probe now spans irregularities between 2018 and 2025.

“Instead of acting against those responsible, the government and CPI-M are trying to extend the Board’s term to protect them. The Opposition will not allow this,” Satheesan asserted.

Court Allows Scientific Examination

Earlier in the day, the Kerala High Court permitted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a scientific examination as part of its probe into the alleged irregularities in gold-plating temple ornaments and sculptures.

So far, three persons have been arrested — Unnikrishnan Potti, serving TDB official Murari Babu, and Sudheesh Kumar, who previously served as Vasu’s private secretary during his tenure as TDB president.

Vasu, who has been questioned once and released, is a long-time CPI-M associate, having earlier served as president of a CPI(M)-ruled panchayat and worked on the staff of veteran leader P. K. Gurudasan when he was Excise Minister in the V. S. Achuthanandan-led cabinet (2006–11).