Kochi: The Kerala High Court has ordered that the gold-plated copper sheets, earlier seized over alleged irregularities, be handed back to the Sabarimala temple authorities.
A Division Bench noted that sacred materials belonging to the shrine cannot be withheld indefinitely and must be restored for ritual use. The court also directed the temple administration to ensure strict safeguarding and accountability of the returned items.
The gold-plated sheets, intended to cover the sanctum sanctorum, were earlier taken into custody amid allegations of mismanagement. Following the court’s directive, the Travancore Devaswom Board is expected to oversee their reinstatement.
