‘You Did Not Even Spare God’: SC Raps Ex-TDB Member KP Shankardas in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case

The Supreme Court on Monday made sharp observations while hearing a petition filed by former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) member KP Shankardas, an accused in the Sabarimala gold robbery case, remarking

that he “did not even spare God”.A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma refused to interfere with or expunge certain observations made against Shankardas by the Kerala High Court, which had earlier held that TDB members Shankardas and Vijayakumar bore responsibility in the alleged gold theft.During the hearing, the apex court told Shankardas that he could not evade responsibility, noting that he had signed the minutes of the Devaswom Board meetings related to the matter. The court declined his plea seeking the removal of five paragraphs from a single-bench judgment of the Kerala High Court, which he claimed were made without hearing his side and could prejudice the investigation.Shankardas, citing his advanced age and health issues, had urged the Supreme Court to expunge the High Court’s remarks that, according to him, suggested criminal liability of the then board members. He argued that such observations were unnecessary and could affect his right to a fair probe.The Supreme Court, however, made it clear that it was not inclined to grant the relief sought. At the same time, it said Shankardas was free to approach the Kerala High Court to seek expunction of the disputed observations from the single-bench order.In a limited relief, the apex court directed that if Shankardas files an application for anticipatory bail, the same should be considered on its own merits, in accordance with law.The case relates to the alleged robbery of gold from the Sabarimala temple, which had triggered widespread concern and scrutiny over the functioning and accountability of the Travancore Devaswom Board.