KERALA, INDIA, April 23, 2014 (Indian Express): The controversy surrounding the alleged mismanagement of Kerala’s famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple on Wednesday evoked sharp reaction from the Supreme Court, which said there are certain “disturbing features” and “extremely serious” issues which require immediate redressal.
The observation by the bench came at the outset of the hearing when senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam, who is appearing as an amicus curiae in the matter, was about to apprise the court about his April 15 report in which he highlighted several serious irregularities in the management of the temple and its wealth (estimated in the billions of dollars). He submitted there was need for independent management of the temple so that officials can carry out their function freely and fearlessly.
After an hour-long hearing during which senior advocate K. K. Venugopal, appearing for scion of Travancore Royal family, raised objections to Subramaniam’s report, the bench said parties including Kerala Government will be given chance to respond to the findings in the report. “The matter requires immediate hearing. To us it is an extremely serious matter. We would like to hear all of you,” the bench said, posting further hearing for Thursday. Venugopal said everything in the report was not acceptable as astonishing things have been stated and in many cases wrong inferences have been drawn.
The sprawling temple, an architectural splendor in granite, was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century by the Travancore Royal House which had ruled southern Kerala and some adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu before integration of the princely state with Indian Union in 1947. Even after India’s independence, the temple continued to be governed by a trust controlled by the erstwhile royal family for whom Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu) is their family deity.
More at source.