Thiruvananthapuram: Raising concerns over delays in investigation, a Kerala vigilance court has granted statutory bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) official B. Murali Babu in connection with the high-profile Sabarimala gold loss cases. The relief was granted after the court noted that 90 days had elapsed since his arrest, while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file a chargesheet within the stipulated period.
In its order, the court observed that under the Code of Criminal Procedure, an accused becomes entitled to statutory bail if the investigating agency does not complete the probe and submit a chargesheet within the prescribed time. The court underlined that prolonged incarceration without completion of investigation is inconsistent with the constitutional guarantee of personal liberty. Following completion of bail formalities, Babu is expected to be released from custody.
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Cases in Which Bail Was Granted
B. Murali Babu previously served as Deputy Devaswom Commissioner with the TDB. He was arrested in two separate cases linked to alleged gold loss at the Sabarimala Temple.
The first case relates to an alleged shortfall in the gold coating applied to the Dwarapalakas (guardian deities) at the temple entrance. The second concerns discrepancies in the gold plating on the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) doors. Investigators had alleged that during renovation and re-gilding works, the quantity and purity of gold used were significantly lower than what had been officially approved.
Based on these findings, authorities suspected financial irregularities and possible misappropriation, prompting criminal investigations and subsequent arrests.
Arrest and Allegations
Murali Babu was arrested in October 2025. According to investigators, he had forwarded a proposal submitted by the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, to the TDB. The proposal pertained to reapplying gold plating to the Dwarapalakas and Sreekovil doors as part of restoration work.
During verification, it was allegedly found that the actual gold used after completion of the work did not match the sanctioned specifications. This triggered further scrutiny, leading to allegations of procedural lapses and potential complicity of officials involved in processing and approving the work.
Acting on these concerns, the Kerala High Court ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to conduct a comprehensive probe into the matter. The SIT’s mandate included examining the role of former and serving TDB officials, contractors, and other associated parties.
Legal Basis of Statutory Bail
Statutory bail is a legal right that accrues to an accused when the investigating agency fails to file a chargesheet within a specified period — typically 60 or 90 days, depending on the nature of the offence. Courts grant such bail not on the merits of the allegations, but purely on the ground of procedural delay.
The vigilance court clarified that the grant of statutory bail does not amount to an acquittal or dilution of charges. The SIT remains free to continue its investigation and submit chargesheets at a later stage, after which trial proceedings may commence.
Background of the Sabarimala Gold Loss Controversy
The controversy first surfaced in 2019, when inspections revealed noticeable shortages in the gold plating on parts of the Sabarimala temple, one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The revelations sparked widespread public debate and raised questions about temple administration, oversight mechanisms and accountability in handling sacred assets.
Given the sensitivity of the issue — involving both public funds and religious sentiment — the High Court stepped in to ensure an independent and structured investigation through the SIT.
In related developments, statutory bail has earlier been granted to the prime accused in certain cases, while bail pleas of other officials and a jeweller were rejected by higher courts, underscoring the case-by-case scrutiny adopted by the judiciary.
What Lies Ahead
Despite Murali Babu’s release, the SIT’s probe into the alleged gold loss remains ongoing. Investigators have indicated that preparation of chargesheets is in the final stages and further legal action against other accused cannot be ruled out.
The case continues to attract close public attention, as it involves not only allegations of financial irregularities but also issues of religious faith, transparency and public trust. Courts are expected to maintain close oversight as the investigation moves toward its next phase.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
