The Kerala High Court has called for a status report on the reconstruction works at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple after the tantri (chief priest) submitted a note regarding a petition on defects in the Moolavigraha (principal idol). The note, submitted as earlier ordered, was presented before the division bench comprising Justices Devan Ramachandran and M B Snehalatha.

In his submission, the tantri said that he did not find deficiencies in the main idol as indicated by the expert committee between 2017 and 2018. However, he emphasised the urgency of reconstructing the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) roof and the idol of Vishwaksenan.

The tantri further informed the court that another inspection is scheduled on October 12 and 13, after which the findings will need to be aligned with the earlier expert committee recommendations. 

The bench observed that since the restoration works have already commenced following Supreme Court directions, they must be executed within the timeline indicated by the tantri, reflecting the “collective conscience of the millions who have reinforced their faith in the cosmic power of Lord Padmanabhaswamy.”

The court has directed the administrative committee to submit a comprehensive report detailing the progress and current status of all restoration works mentioned in the tantri's note, specifically the reconstruction of the Sreekovil roof and the idol of Vishwaksenan. The reports must be placed before the court before the next hearing.
(With LiveLaw inputs)