Sabarimala gold theft row: Kerala govt pleader pick sparks conflict row
Synopsis
Kerala's new UDF government has walked straight into a conflict-of-interest crisis: it appointed the lawyer of a company accused in the Sabarimala gold theft as the Devaswom Department's Special Government Pleader — a post reportedly created specifically for him. The minister's defence, that 'someone who knows the weaknesses of the accused can be useful,' has made things considerably worse.
Key Takeaways
Satheesan -led UDF government appointed Advocate K.B.
Pradeep as Special Government Pleader for the Devaswom Department in the Kerala High Court .
Pradeep had previously represented Smart Creations , a Chennai -based company accused of involvement in the Sabarimala gold theft case .
The government reportedly created the Special Government Pleader post specifically for this appointment; the department previously had only a Senior Government Pleader .
Devaswom Minister K.
Muraleedharan defended the appointment, saying 'someone who knows the weaknesses of the accused can be useful' — a remark that drew widespread criticism.
Former minister V.N.
Vasavan and ex-cabinet colleagues P.
Balagopal condemned the appointment, alleging the government is not serious about the gold scam probe.
Opposition and critics are demanding a review of the appointment and a transparent explanation from the government.
The V.D. Satheesan-led UDF government in Kerala has been plunged into controversy following its decision to appoint Advocate K.B. Pradeep — counsel for a company accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case — as Special Government Pleader for the Devaswom Department in the Kerala High Court. The appointment, made within weeks of the new government taking charge, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition and triggered unease within sections of the Indian National Congress (INC) itself.
The Appointment and Its Controversy
At the heart of the row is Advocate K.B. Pradeep's prior role as legal counsel for Smart Creations, a Chennai-based company that investigators allege is linked to the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold theft. Critics have questioned both the propriety and the necessity of the new role, noting that the government reportedly created the Special Government Pleader post specifically for Pradeep — a position that did not previously exist in the Devaswom Department, which until now had only a Senior Government Pleader.
The Devaswom Department oversees the apex body responsible for all temples in Kerala directly managed by the various Devaswom Boards. Entrusting its legal representation in the High Court to a lawyer who has defended an accused entity in a temple-related criminal case has fuelled allegations of a conflict of interest.
What the Minister Said
Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan defended the appointment, stating it was made by the Chief Minister and was within the executive's authority. However, his remark that 'someone who knows the weaknesses of the accused can be useful' drew immediate and widespread criticism. Opposition parties argued the statement effectively acknowledged that a lawyer from the defence side was being brought in to represent the government — a framing that deepened the political storm rather than defusing it.
Opposition Fires Back
Former Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan said on Friday that the appointment clearly demonstrates the present state government is not serious about uncovering the truth in the gold scam linked to the Sabarimala temple. 'If they were serious, would this appointment take place?' Vasavan asked. His former cabinet colleagues, P. Rajeeve and K.N. Balagopal, also condemned the decision, amplifying pressure on the new administration.
The Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
Investigators allege that gold-plated panels were removed from structures at the Sabarimala temple and transported to Smart Creations' facility in Chennai, where the gold was reportedly separated and allegedly diverted for use in works at other temples. The prime accused in the case has been identified as Unnikrishnan Potti, and several aspects of the alleged theft remain under active investigation. The company and its projects in Kerala have continued to face scrutiny from investigating agencies.
What Happens Next
Critics and opposition leaders are now demanding that the government review the appointment and provide a transparent account of the circumstances under which it was made. The controversy risks undermining public confidence in the handling of one of Kerala's most sensitive temple-related criminal investigations, with calls growing for the government to demonstrate its commitment to an impartial probe.
Point of View
Far from resolving the controversy, essentially confirmed the opposition's framing. The UDF, barely weeks into office, has handed its critics a ready-made accountability narrative. More troubling is the signal it sends about the government's appetite for an uncompromised investigation into a case involving the sanctity of one of India's most visited pilgrimage sites. If the appointment is not reviewed with a credible explanation, it risks becoming a defining early liability for the Satheesan administration.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Kerala government's appointment of Advocate K.B. Pradeep controversial?
Advocate K.B. Pradeep had previously served as legal counsel for Smart Creations, a Chennai-based company accused of involvement in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Appointing him as Special Government Pleader for the Devaswom Department — which oversees Kerala's temples — has raised conflict-of-interest concerns, as he would now represent the government in matters connected to the same case.
What is the Sabarimala gold theft case?
The Sabarimala gold theft case involves the alleged removal of gold-plated panels from structures at the Sabarimala temple. Investigators allege the panels were taken to Smart Creations' facility in Chennai, where the gold was separated and diverted for use in other temple projects. The prime accused has been identified as Unnikrishnan Potti, and the investigation is ongoing.
What did Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan say in defence of the appointment?
Minister Muraleedharan defended the appointment by stating it was made by the Chief Minister and was within his authority. He also remarked that 'someone who knows the weaknesses of the accused can be useful' — a statement that drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argued it justified bringing a defence-side lawyer into a government-representing role.
Who has opposed the appointment?
Former Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan publicly questioned the appointment on Friday, arguing it shows the government is not serious about the Sabarimala gold scam probe. His former cabinet colleagues P. Rajeeve and K.N. Balagopal also condemned the decision. Critics within sections of the Congress have also expressed unease.
What are critics demanding now?
Critics and opposition leaders are demanding that the Kerala government review the appointment and provide a transparent explanation of the circumstances under which it was made, warning that the move risks compromising public confidence in the investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft.
