In a major procedural development in the Sabarimala gold theft case, a Vigilance Court in Kollam, Kerala, on Thursday granted statutory bail to Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in one of the key cases related to the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. The court’s order came after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file a charge sheet within the statutorily mandated 90-day timeframe.

The Sabarimala gold theft controversy erupted in late 2025 when temple officials reported irregularities in gold-plated artefacts — including Dwarapalaka idols and door frames — following restoration and replating works. This triggered court-monitored investigations by the Kerala High Court and a Special Investigation Team comprising state police and forensic experts.

Potti, alleged to be the principal orchestrator of the scheme, was initially arrested in October 2025 in connection with claims that sacred gold cladding was removed under the pretext of repairs and subsequently misappropriated. Alongside him, multiple co-accused — including former Devaswom Board officials — have been under judicial scrutiny.

The bail application hinged on statutory protections under the Code of Criminal Procedure, which entitle an accused to statutory bail if a charge sheet is not filed within 90 days of arrest in custodial cases involving allegations of serious offences. During Thursday’s hearing, the Vigilance Court observed that the SIT had not presented a chargesheet within the prescribed period, thereby entitling Potti to statutory bail as a matter of law.

The prosecution opposed the bail application, arguing the gravity of the allegations, the high public visibility of the case, and the need to keep the accused in custody while investigation continued. However, the court reiterated that procedural safeguards cannot be overridden by prosecutorial delays.

In granting bail, the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Mohit C.S., noted that statutory timelines for filing charges exist to prevent unreasonable prolongation of pre-trial incarceration and to safeguard individual rights when investigation stalls. Significantly, the court’s order did not comment on the merits of the allegations but focused strictly on procedural requirements.

Potti had previously secured statutory bail in another related case involving alleged misappropriation of gold from Dwarapalaka idols. With this second bail order — in the case concerning alleged theft from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames — he is expected to be released from custody later on Thursday.

The bail ruling underscores the tension between procedural law and the exigencies of complex, multi-facet investigations. While statutory bail protects individual liberty against prosecutorial delay, it also places pressure on investigative agencies to act swiftly and decisively — especially in cases involving sensitive religious institutions and public trust.

Beyond the courtroom, the case has ignited political debate in Kerala, with opposition parties and civic groups criticising perceived lags in the investigation and calling for greater transparency and possibly a CBI probe. These developments are likely to reverberate through legal and political arenas as the substantive trial and related probes — including by the Enforcement Directorate on money-laundering angles — proceed.

The Sabarimala gold theft saga remains emblematic of broader challenges at the intersection of criminal justice, institutional accountability, and public faith — with procedural safeguards, investigative efficacy, and political oversight all in sharp focus.In a major procedural development in the Sabarimala gold theft case, a Vigilance Court in Kollam, Kerala, on Thursday granted statutory bail to Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in one of the key cases related to the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. The court’s order came after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file a charge sheet within the statutorily mandated 90-day timeframe.

The bail application hinged on statutory protections under the Code of Criminal Procedure, which entitle an accused to statutory bail if a charge sheet is not filed within 90 days of arrest in custodial cases involving allegations of serious offences. During Thursday’s hearing, the Vigilance Court observed that the SIT had not presented a chargesheet within the prescribed period, thereby entitling Potti to statutory bail as a matter of law.

The prosecution opposed the bail application, arguing the gravity of the allegations, the high public visibility of the case, and the need to keep the accused in custody while investigation continued. However, the court reiterated that procedural safeguards cannot be overridden by prosecutorial delays.

In granting bail, the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Mohit C.S., noted that statutory timelines for filing charges exist to prevent unreasonable prolongation of pre-trial incarceration and to safeguard individual rights when investigation stalls. Significantly, the court’s order did not comment on the merits of the allegations but focused strictly on procedural requirements.

“The statutory framework entitles an accused to bail upon expiration of the charge-sheet period, unless exceptional circumstances justify continued custody… In the absence of such material, bail must be granted.”

— Vigilance Court, Kollam

Potti had previously secured statutory bail in another related case involving alleged misappropriation of gold from Dwarapalaka idols. With this second bail order — in the case concerning alleged theft from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames — he is expected to be released from custody later on Thursday.

The bail ruling underscores the tension between procedural law and the exigencies of complex, multi-facet investigations. While statutory bail protects individual liberty against prosecutorial delay, it also places pressure on investigative agencies to act swiftly and decisively — especially in cases involving sensitive religious institutions and public trust.

Beyond the courtroom, the case has ignited political debate in Kerala, with opposition parties and civic groups criticising perceived lags in the investigation and calling for greater transparency and possibly a CBI probe. These developments are likely to reverberate through legal and political arenas as the substantive trial and related probes — including by the Enforcement Directorate on money-laundering angles — proceed.

The Sabarimala gold theft saga remains emblematic of broader challenges at the intersection of criminal justice, institutional accountability, and public faith — with procedural safeguards, investigative efficacy, and political oversight all in sharp focus.