Sabarimala case : You did not even spare God, SC declines to interfere in the plea of TDB member Shankardas
The court said Shankardas, who had signed the Devaswom Board's minutes, cannot evade responsibility. It also declined to interfere with his plea with his plea seeking the removal of five paragraphs from a Kerala High Court single-bench judgment.
New Delhi: While hearing a petition in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, the Supreme made strong observations while hearing a petition filed by former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) member K P Shankardas where the court remarked that he did not even spare God.
The court said Shankardas, who had signed the Devaswom Board’s minutes, cannot evade responsibility. It also declined to interfere with his plea with his plea seeking the removal of five paragraphs from a Kerala High Court single-bench judgment.
A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma heard the petition. In an earlier order, the High Court’s single bench had observed that Devaswom Board members Shankardas and Vijayakumar bore responsibility in the gold robbery case. Shankardas contended that these observations were made without hearing his side.
Shankardas primarily sought relief, citing his advanced age and health conditions. He also requested that the High Court’s observations suggesting criminal liability of the then board members be expunged, arguing that such remarks could prejudice a fair investigation. Senior advocate P.B. Suresh Kumar and advocate AKarthik appeared for Shankardas, while standing counsel C.K. Shashi represented the state government.
The Supreme Court stated that Shankardas was free to approach the High Court to seek the removal of the disputed observations from the single bench order. At the same time, it directed that if Shankardas files an application for anticipatory bail, it should be considered on merits.
SIT to submit to interim report
The SIT probing the Sabarimala gold theft case will submit an interim report in the case today. The probe team is expected to file crucial details on the connections of the accused with international antique groups who are alleged to have connections with the accused in the gold theft case