Kochi: The Kerala High Court has stayed a purported order of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) permitting a private individual to install a Panchaloha idol of Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala Temple. A division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S passed the interim order while hearing a suo motu case initiated based on a report from the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala. The stay will remain in effect for two weeks.

According to the Commissioner’s report, the individual in question (seventh respondent) launched a fundraising campaign, distributing pamphlets featuring details of the idol, bank account information, a QR code, and a mobile number—misleading the public into believing he was authorised by the TDB and the State Government. Earlier, the Standing Counsel for the TDB had submitted that the Board had not granted any permission for the installation.

In a previous order, the Court had directed the Board to publish an advisory on the virtual Q platform clarifying that no private party was authorised to install an idol of Lord Ayyappa or collect donations for such a purpose. The Board was also asked to submit all relevant records regarding the matter.

When the case was taken up again, the documents revealed that the seventh respondent had submitted a request to install the idol, which the Board acknowledged. However, the mandatory report from the Devaswom Commissioner was never filed. Despite this, the TDB President proceeded to approve the installation.

The Court expressed concern that there was no evidence that the opinion of the Thantri (chief priest) had been sought before granting approval, criticising the Board for its “casual approach.”

The Senior Government Pleader, representing the State Police Chief Coordinator, informed the Court that significant funds had already been deposited in the bank account mentioned in the pamphlets. Since no formal complaint had been filed by the Board, the Court directed the Chief Police Coordinator, Sabarimala, to ensure that a criminal case is registered and steps are taken to prevent the withdrawal of the funds by the seventh respondent or anyone associated with the Rotary Freedom India Trust.

Additionally, the Court directed the Registry to issue a fresh notice by speed post to the seventh respondent, who had not responded to earlier electronic communications. The TDB Secretary has been asked to file an affidavit within a week.
(With LiveLaw inputs)