SC bars opening of Padmanabhaswamy Temple vaults

The Supreme Court on Friday restrained the seven-member committee from opening sixth vault of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. God's treasure trove

The Supreme Court on Friday restrained the seven-member committee from opening sixth vault of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

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A bench headed by justice RV Raveendran also asked the petitioner Raja Marthanda Varma, erstwhile Prince of Travancore and the Kerala government to come out with appropriate suggestions for ensuring sanctity and security of the temple which has come to the limelight following discovery of the huge wealth. The bench fixed July 14 for hearing the matter next.

During the arguments, senior counsel KK Venogopal, appearing for Varma, clarified that the temple was a public property and no member of the royal family claims any ownership or right over the huge property.

The royal family has challenged Kerala’s move to take over the temple administration in the SC. The Kerala HC had upheld the state’s decision.