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Kochi, Nov 19 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the administrative committee of the Padmanabhaswamy temple in the heart of the state capital to provide an update on finalizing the consent of Shilpis (traditional sculptors) and materials required for the renovation of the Moolavigrah (principal idol) of the temple.
A division bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and MB Snehalatha was hearing a petition alleging defects in ‘Moolavigraha’. Earlier, the court had asked the administrative committee to submit a report on the repair work being done in the temple.
In response, the standing counsel submitted the expert panel’s report, which stated that the renovation could not begin without the approval of the five identified architects.
The committee has already reached out to these experts and is awaiting their consent.
The bench said that the renovation work should be done “with the sanctity that bears the temporal power of a temple” and stressed that the consent of the craftsmen is an important condition.
The expert committee has also said that the list of essential materials will be finalized within two weeks, and this deadline is still valid.
Counsel for the petitioner expressed concern that without continued judicial supervision, the renewal process may face the same delays as in the past.
However, the Court clarified that its present focus is to ensure that the work is completed within the stipulated time frame and in compliance with the directions of the Chief Thantari, rather than examining factual disputes.
The Court was informed that the Lakshadeepam festival of the temple will end on January 14, 2026, after which the renovation work can begin.
However, the bench said it did not intend to wait for updates till then, especially with regard to the consent of the sculptors and preparation of the material.
The court also considered a plea seeking appointment of a former IAS officer and a former temple executive as special commissioner to monitor the 2025-26 Lakshadweepam festival.
Rejecting the request, the division bench said the temple was already under the governance of an administrative committee headed by the district judge and an advisory committee headed by retired high court judge Justice TR Ramachandran Nair.
The Court directed the Administrative Committee to monitor the preparations for the festival and submit a report after its completion.
The hearing of this case will take place again on December 10.
–IANS
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