Kochi, Oct 21 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court has taken the significant step of suo motu registering a new case related to the investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining total confidentiality throughout the ongoing inquiry.

This decision was made after evaluating the advancements made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the court to investigate the alleged loss of gold plates from the Sabarimala temple.

Given the delicate nature of the case, the bench noted that certain elements of the investigation warranted an added layer of protection.

The new case stems from a report previously submitted by the Special Commissioner of the Sabarimala temple.

Importantly, the court has designated only the state government, the Travancore Devaswom Board, and the Devaswom Vigilance Department as respondents.

No individuals named as accused in the two FIRs filed have been included in the new proceedings.

This reflects the court’s commitment to uncovering the truth while ensuring that no sensitive details of the investigation are disclosed, thereby preserving the integrity of the probe.

The proceedings were conducted in camera, with representatives from both the government and Devaswom present.

During this session, the SIT, led by SP S. Sashidharan, requested an additional two weeks to extend their investigation beyond the initially allotted six-week period.

The next hearing has been scheduled for November 15.

The high court’s action to initiate a separate case is viewed as a method to balance judicial oversight with the necessity for absolute secrecy in one of the most sensitive temple-related investigations in recent times.

This fresh directive from the Court seems to arise at a juncture when both the Congress and BJP have been calling for the resignation of Devasom Minister V.N. Vasavan along with members of the Devasom Board, also demanding an investigation by a national agency.