Kerala Government Seeks Greater Autonomy in Temple Administration, Says No Conflict With Judiciary

The Kerala government has reiterated that it is not seeking a confrontation with the judiciary but wants greater administrative autonomy in matters related to temple management and Devaswom affairs.

Kerala Devaswom and Health Minister K Muraleedharan said the government believes its constitutional powers should be protected while respecting judicial oversight. His remarks came in response to questions over his earlier observations regarding the extent of court intervention in temple administration.

Referring to the Sabarimala gold theft case, the minister said the government has been unable to take further action because the Kerala High Court transferred the investigation to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). According to him, the prolonged delay in filing the chargesheet has restricted the government's ability to act and could potentially weaken the investigation over time.

Muraleedharan noted that the issue had become a major public concern during the Assembly election campaign, with repeated questions being raised about the progress of the investigation. He stressed that either the SIT should file the chargesheet or the court should issue directions to expedite the process.

The minister argued that delays in criminal investigations could make it easier for accused persons to destroy evidence, making successful prosecution more difficult. He said these concerns prompted his earlier comments regarding the government's limited role in the ongoing investigation.

Beyond the Sabarimala case, Muraleedharan also highlighted the government's concerns regarding the functioning of the Travancore Devaswom Board. He pointed out that while the state government can appoint commissioners for the Cochin and Malabar Devaswom Boards, appointments in the Travancore Devaswom Board require a panel to be submitted to the Kerala High Court, which takes the final decision.

According to the minister, the government is only seeking greater administrative freedom in such matters and is not questioning the authority of the judiciary. He maintained that courts should continue to intervene whenever government decisions violate the law or constitutional principles but argued that policy decisions should primarily remain with the elected government.

Muraleedharan also clarified that the state government is not currently considering raising the issue in the Kerala Assembly and reiterated that maintaining a cooperative relationship with the judiciary remains a priority.

Key Highlights

• Kerala government said it wants greater autonomy in temple administration without clashing with the judiciary.
• Minister K Muraleedharan cited the Sabarimala gold theft case as an example of administrative limitations.
• The minister expressed concern over delays in filing the SIT chargesheet.
• He said prolonged investigations could weaken criminal cases by allowing evidence to disappear.
• The government also raised concerns about appointment procedures in the Travancore Devaswom Board.
• Kerala government clarified that it respects judicial oversight while seeking greater administrative freedom.

FAQs

Q1. What did Kerala Minister K Muraleedharan say about temple administration?
He said the government wants greater administrative autonomy in temple affairs while continuing to respect judicial authority.

Q2. Why did the minister refer to the Sabarimala gold theft case?
He said the government has been unable to take further action because the investigation is being handled by an SIT under the Kerala High Court's directions.

Q3. Is the Kerala government challenging the judiciary?
No. The minister clarified that the government is not seeking confrontation with the courts but wants its administrative powers protected.

Q4. What issue did the minister raise regarding the Travancore Devaswom Board?
He pointed out that appointments require approval through a process involving the Kerala High Court, unlike other Devaswom Boards.

Q5. Will the issue be raised in the Kerala Assembly?
The minister said the government is not currently considering bringing the matter before the Assembly.