SC Slams Sabarimala Gold Theft Accused, Ex-Board Member Denied Relief

• Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple gold theft case, questioning the integrity of those meant to protect the temple.
• The case involves the theft and embezzlement of gold from temple artifacts during renovation, with significantly less gold returned after electroplating.
• Former Devaswom Board member K.P. Shankar Das sought relief from adverse remarks by the Kerala High Court, but the Supreme Court refused, holding him responsible.
• The Supreme Court emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating Shankar Das cannot evade responsibility despite the High Court granting him relief based on age and health.
• A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the matter, with its interim report on the gold theft expected to be submitted to the Kerala High Court by January 19.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court holds former Sabarimala board member responsible for gold theft, emphasizing crime's gravity.