‘No contempt or disrespect towards court, but govt needs some freedom’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan said the investigation by the special team in the Sabarimala gold theft case has come to a standstill. He said the case is under the supervision of the court and that the government is unable to do anything in the matter. Muraleedharan had the other day also criticized the court’s intervention in temple affairs, saying that neither the government nor the devaswom board has a role in Sabarimala and that all decisions are taken effectively by the high court. However, he clarified that the government has no intention of opposing the judiciary.

“If the case has to be proved, a charge sheet must be filed in the court. The court should demand it, but neither of these is happening. This situation increases the possibility of the accused escaping punishment and destroying evidence. The government should have the authority to take decisions in the Devaswom Department. If any mistake occurs, the court can correct it. The Travancore Devaswom Board has left to the court the request of Kandararu Rajeevaru to appoint his son Brahmadattan as his successor in the Sabarimala Tantri’s post. The board’s stand is not correct,’ said the minister.

Responding to the incident of Hindu Aikya Vedi leaders meeting Chief Minister V D Satheesan, Muraleedharan said that anyone is free to meet him, but attending the programmes of such groups is wrong. There is no contempt or disrespect towards the court. However, the government should have the freedom to take decisions, added K Muraleedharan.