Overview

• The Devaswom Bench directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to bring back from Chennai the gold-painted copper plates taken off the Dwarapalaka sculptures for repair.
• The judges said removing the panels without permission was inappropriate and reaffirmed that prior sanction from the Special Commissioner and the High Court is required.
• Existing judicial directions require that gold-related work at Sabarimala be executed at Sannidhanam under court-appointed supervision.
• TDB president P.S. Prashanth defended the move as urgent pre-Mandalam maintenance done with the Thantri’s consent, escorted by officials, and funded by the original sponsor.
• The court demanded a written explanation by Friday as the Special Commissioner sought strict instructions to prevent significant maintenance without prior approval.