Kerala government not seeking confrontation with judiciary, says Minister K. Muraleedharan
Kerala Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has clarified that the state government is not seeking a confrontation with the judiciary regarding temple administration. He expressed frustration over delays in the High Court-monitored investigation into a gold theft case at the Sabarimala temple.
Why it matters
The statement reflects ongoing tensions between executive governance and judicial oversight in the management of religious institutions in India.
A day after Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan criticised the Kerala High Court for what he called its “excessive interference” in the affairs of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and other temples in the State, he clarified on Monday (July 13, 2026) that the government was not seeking a confrontation with the judiciary.
Speaking to the media in Kozhikode, Mr. Muraleedharan said the government needed greater freedom to function, particularly in matters relating to temple administration.
“The government is not seeking a confrontation with the court. At the same time, it has to protect its rights,” he said.
On the Sabarimala gold theft case, the Minister said the High Court-monitored probe by a special investigation team (SIT) was under way and the government was not in a position to take any further decisions.
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