Sabarimala gold loss: Kerala High Court orders SIT probe

The Kerala High Court ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of loss and misappropriation of gold offerings made at the Sabarimala temple. The Court’s order came in response to petitions raising concerns over accountability, transparency and custodial management of temple wealth. The SIT will investigate alleged irregularities in weighing, recording and storing offerings. The ruling underscores judicial concern for protecting religious endowments and maintaining public faith in temple administration. It also brings into focus the responsibility of boards and trustees under law to ensure faithful management of assets belonging to religious institutions.