Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday reserved its verdict on the regular bail plea of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) official N Vasu (75), the third accused in the case relating to the alleged misappropriation of gold from the doorframes of the Sabarimala temple.
Justice A Badharudeen heard the matter in detail over two days. After considering arguments from both sides, the court reserved orders.

Vasu contended that the temple doorframes were not gold-plated and that there was no documentary evidence to prove otherwise. He argued that the recommendation attributed to him merely described the doorframes as copper plates, which, according to him, reflected their actual nature.

During the hearing, the court orally observed:
“So, according to you, at the time when the doorframe was given, it was not gold-clad, it was originally copper-plated. That is your case.”

Addressing the prosecution, the court further asked:
“Which is the document available in the Board or the Sannidhanam to show that these doorframes originally were gold? All items including a simple pin should have a register showing its stock and its accountability...Contention of the counsel for the accused is that no register, no documents to show that the doorframes were also originally gold-plated, and the same has been suppressed. His argument is that if originally these doorframes were in copper, what he [Vasu] wrote is correct. If so, no culpability to be alleged against him. That's the contention.”

In response, the prosecution maintained that Vasu initiated the alleged gold theft and that statements recorded during the investigation established that the doorframes were gold-clad, not merely copper-clad.

The prosecution has alleged that while serving as Devaswom Commissioner, Vasu conspired with other accused and facilitated the pilferage of gold from the temple doorframes. It is alleged that he initiated the offence by recommending gold-plating while describing the doorframes as “copper plates,” despite being aware that they were gold-cladded.

According to the prosecution, the gold-clad copper doorframes were entrusted to the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, under the pretext of gold plating. It is further alleged that Potty had emailed Vasu seeking permission to use the leftover gold after plating for a marriage, and that Vasu failed to inquire into its handling by a private individual.

Vasu previously served two terms as Devaswom Commissioner and later as President of the TDB from 2019 to 2021. He had also held the post of Vigilance Tribunal Judge between 1991 and 2006.

He is accused of offences punishable under Sections 403, 406, 409, 466, 467 and 120B read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Following his arrest on November 11, Vasu had approached the Enquiry Commissioner and the Special Judge for bail, but his pleas were rejected. He subsequently moved to the High Court seeking regular bail.

Last week, the same bench heard the bail pleas of another accused, Murari Babu, and reserved its verdict. The court had also dismissed anticipatory bail pleas filed by the fourth and sixth accused, both former TDB officials, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of gold from the dwarapalaka idols.
(With LiveLaw inputs)