Editor’s Note
The Supreme Court has declined to expunge remarks made by the Kerala High Court against a former board member in the Sabarimala gold theft case, upholding the lower court’s observations.
The Supreme Court has dealt a blow to former Travancore Devaswom Board member KP Shankardas in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The top court has refused to expunge remarks made by the Kerala High Court.
A bench comprising Justices Deepankar Datta and A.S. Sharma stated that Shankardas, who had signed the minutes of the Devaswom Board meeting, cannot escape responsibility in the theft case.
The judges refused to delete five paragraphs from the High Court’s order, which stated that Devaswom Board members KP Shankardas and Vijayakumar were responsible for the gold theft. The court said there was no reason to interfere with the High Court’s observations at this stage.
In his petition, Shankardas had argued that the High Court made remarks against him without hearing him, which could affect a fair investigation. He sought relief citing his age and health problems.
The Supreme Court clarified that if Shankardas applies for anticipatory bail, it will be considered on its merits as per the law. The court also stated that Shankardas can approach the High Court for an order to remove the objectionable remarks from the single-judge bench’s order.
