Kerala govt not seeking confrontation with HC, but needs more freedom to function: Devaswom Minister
Kerala Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan stated that the state government is not seeking a confrontation with the judiciary but requires more autonomy in temple administration. He expressed frustration over delays in the Sabarimala gold theft investigation.
Why it matters
It reflects the ongoing tension between executive governance and judicial oversight in Indian state administration.
Kerala Devaswom and Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Monday (July 13, 2026) said the State government was not seeking a confrontation with the judiciary, but required greater freedom to function, particularly in matters relating to temple administration.
He was responding to reporters’ queries about his earlier remarks that there was a need to examine whether such extensive judicial intervention in the affairs of temples was warranted.
“The government is not here to clash with the court. But at the same time, the rights of the government must be protected,” he said.
Referring to the Sabarimala gold theft case, Mr. Muraleedharan said the government was unable to take any further steps as the Kerala High Court had entrusted the probe to a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
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