Overview
- The Devaswom Bench directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to immediately bring back the gold‑plated copper sheets removed from the Dwarapalaka idols and taken to Chennai.
- The Sabarimala Special Commissioner told the court the sheets were detached without prior approval and sought directions to halt major maintenance at Sannidhanam or Malikappuram without court permission.
- The judges noted the gold plating was done in 2019 with a 40‑year guarantee and said there was ample time to seek sanction before removal.
- The TDB asserted the transfer had the thantri’s and board’s consent, said the items were securely transported with donor‑funded repairs, and signaled plans to appeal as work had begun in Chennai.
- On Friday, reports from the court proceedings said the bench examined records, flagged inconsistencies, ordered production of files, and added the sponsor and the Chennai firm as respondents to submit financial and communication documents.