The Kerala High Court has directed that certain portions of the hearings in the case concerning the alleged loss of gold from the Sabarimala Temple be conducted in camera, restricting access to the public and media during those segments.
The case involves claims that a significant quantity of gold, including gold-plated panels from the dwarapalaka idols and other elements of the temple’s inner sanctum, was removed or processed without proper oversight. Discrepancies in weight and accounting of the gold have been highlighted in the investigation. The Court observed that certain evidence and materials in the case were highly sensitive and required confidential handling to protect the integrity of the investigation and the safety of those involved.
The High Court held that full public access at this stage could compromise the investigation, including the work of officers, the security of witnesses, and the preservation of records and forensic material. It therefore directed that specific sessions be conducted without public or media attendance and that relevant documents and files be submitted under sealed cover.
In addition to ordering in‑camera hearings, the Court emphasized that the investigating agency and the temple authorities must refrain from communicating with the media about ongoing aspects of the case to prevent prejudicial coverage. The Court also instructed periodic submission of updates under sealed cover to ensure judicial oversight while maintaining necessary confidentiality.
The order reflects the Court’s balancing of openness in judicial proceedings with the need for fairness, proper investigation, and protection of due process in cases involving valuable temple assets and complex operational records. It underscores that while transparency is fundamental, it may be temporarily restricted when the disclosure of sensitive information could hinder investigation or prejudice the rights of individuals involved.
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