The Kerala HC Ettumanoor Temple gold misappropriation case saw the High Court order an independent vigilance inspection into allegations that original gold plates on the famed “Ezharapponnana” at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple were replaced with copper or other low-value metals during renovation. The Court directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board to inspect the temple records and the idol before submitting a report.
A Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar passed the order on June 23, 2026, in DBP No. 42 of 2026 (Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Ors.). The Bench took up the matter after receiving a complaint from devotee A.G. Prasad Kumar.
Complaint Triggered Suo Motu Proceedings
The complaint alleged that workers recently carried out repair and renovation work on the gold plates covering the Ezharapponnana. According to the complainant, they removed the original gold plates and replaced them with copper or other inferior metals. The complainant requested a Vigilance investigation into the alleged misappropriation.
Travancore Devaswom Board Denied the Allegations
The Travancore Devaswom Board filed an affidavit along with reports from the Administrative Officer and the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner.
The Administrative Officer stated that officials inspected and cross-verified all relevant temple registers. They also questioned the concerned officers. The enquiry found no records showing maintenance work on the Ezharapponnana or any misappropriation of gold. The Assistant Devaswom Commissioner reached the same conclusion.
Court Ordered Independent Verification
The Division Bench found no immediate reason to doubt the reports submitted by the temple authorities. However, the judges noted that the allegations involved temple property of significant value and public importance.
To remove any doubt, the Court directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer to conduct an independent inspection of the temple registers and the Ezharapponnana. The officer must submit a detailed report containing his findings and opinion on the allegations.
Smith to Assist During Inspection
The High Court also directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer to take the assistance of a qualified smith during the inspection. The expert will help verify the weight, quality, and originality of the gold used on the Ezharapponnana.
The Court posted the matter for further consideration on July 31, 2026.
The Kerala HC Ettumanoor Temple gold misappropriation proceedings will continue after the Vigilance Officer submits the inspection report.
