The Kerala High Court has expunged remarks made by a Special Court against the investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Sabarimala Gold Theft case. Justice A. Badharudeen expunged the remarks while disposing of a petition by the State seeking cancellation of bail granted to accused Kandararu Rajeevaru, also known as Rajeev Thantri.
The Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
The Sabarimala Gold Theft case involves allegations of theft of gold ornaments and valuables from the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala — one of the most visited pilgrim centres in the world. The investigation was handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Kerala Police to investigate the alleged theft.
Kandararu Rajeevaru (Rajeev Thantri), associated with Sabarimala temple, was among those named as accused in the case. He was granted bail by the trial court, following which the State moved to cancel his bail.
Expunging of Remarks
During the bail proceedings, the Special Court had made certain remarks critical of the SIT’s investigation. The State challenged these remarks, arguing that they were unwarranted and could prejudice the ongoing investigation and trial.
The Kerala High Court agreed with the State’s submission and expunged the observations made by the Special Court about the SIT investigation. Justice Badharudeen held that the trial court’s remarks were inappropriate at the bail stage and should not stand on the record of the case.
Significance of Expunging Remarks
The expunging of judicial remarks is a recognised power exercised by higher courts to correct situations where lower courts have made observations that are either incorrect, irrelevant, or likely to prejudice ongoing proceedings. This ensures that the integrity of the judicial record is maintained.
The Sabarimala temple, being a public trust with millions of devotees, is subject to intense public scrutiny. Cases of alleged financial irregularities or theft from the temple are taken very seriously by courts and the government.
Court: Kerala High Court | Bench: Justice A. Badharudeen | Source: LiveLaw | June 2026
