Kochi , 19 Dec (H.S.):

Former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar has approached the Kerala High Court seeking bail in the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case. The petition came up before Justice A. Badharudeen, who sought the state government’s response.

Padmakumar is accused of facilitating the alleged theft of gold during his tenure by granting permission to remove the door plating of the sanctum for refurbishment. The prosecution claims that this approval enabled the misappropriation of gold under the guise of repair work.

Senior advocate P. Vijayabhanu, appearing for Padmakumar, argued that there is no evidence to prove that the door plating was actually wrapped in gold. The petition contends that no official record exists to show the quantity of gold used, and the case relies heavily on a letter purportedly issued by an employee of the contracted UB Group.

Prosecution maintains that the letter supports its claim that the door plating was taken and covered in gold, but previous findings of a division bench noted the absence of any register detailing how much gold was used in the refurbishment.

Padmakumar’s plea asserts that the repair work was undertaken based on recommendations from the Tantri and upon directions contained in an official communication from the Devaswom Commissioner. He argues that the president of the board cannot unilaterally take such a decision, countering allegations that he personally authorised or enabled the misappropriation.

The High Court will further consider the petition after examining the state’s explanation, which is expected to influence the next stage of proceedings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman