The Kollam Vigilance Court, while granting bail in the Sabarimala gold embezzlement cases, found that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had failed to adduce substantial evidence to support the charges leveled against Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru. In its bail order, the court observed that the Tantri’s duties are strictly limited to the ritual and ceremonial affairs of the temple. The court further clarified that Tantri does not have the power to overturn administrative decisions taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board, a factor it weighed heavily in deciding whether to grant bail.
On investments
The key argument raised by the SIT was that Tantri and his relatives were holding unauthorized financial investments. However, the defense countered this by pointing out that the specific investments cited by the SIT date back to 2006, while the alleged gold misappropriation occurred much later in 2019. Highlighting this chronological discrepancy, the defense argued that these financial records cannot be linked to the current investigation.
The Vigilance Court also took into consideration the previous decisions of the Supreme Court which expressly state that Tantris should not interfere in the administrative affairs of temples. This legal precedent has further weakened the SIT’s position as it emphasizes the separation between ritual duties and financial management. These observations suggest that without concrete evidence linking Tantri to administrative or financial malpractice, the SIT’s case against him remains on shaky ground.
Published – 20 Feb 2026 20:46 IST