Daijiworld Media Network

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17: The Supreme Court said on Friday September 16, that it will pronounce its order relating to the question of opening the remaining underground vault, marked as ‘B’, of Lord Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple here, on Wednesday September 21.

The Supreme Court said that it does not rely on superstitions attached to the hidden treasure of the temple or its security. Noting that superstition and security cannot go hand in hand, it said it will give its verdict on the question on next Wednesday, duly keeping in mind the customs, beliefs and practices prevalent in the temple.

“We respect the customs, beliefs and practices in vogue at the temple, and will stick to them as far as possible.  However, there will be a need to make some compromise in view of security demands. When the question of the protecting the valuables comes, popular beliefs and superstitions should not come in the way. No one should expect us to compromise on security,” said the division bench of the court comprising Justice Ravindran and Justice A K Patnaik. The bench has already made it clear that it does approve the ‘Deva Prashnam’ organized at the temple by the royal family relating to the security of valuables found underground.

While favouring videography and photo-shoot of the valuables of the riches found at the temple for scientific assessment of the wealth, the judges made it clear that the court is of the opinion that a scientific and logical decision will have to be arrived it, even though the court respects the faith of the people. On Friday, the royal family of Travancore, which manages the temple, argued again that videography and photography of riches of the temple stored in the vaults will be against the traditions and customs of the temple. The committee appointed for assessing the wealth found underneath the temple has recommended for opening of the remaining ‘B’ vault.

In the meantime, the Kerala government submitted details of its plans to prove global level security to the temple wealth, duly assuring to implement the same within two months. It has estimated the cost of security including purchase of modern equipments and appointment of security personnel, at five crore rupees. Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation has put up its proposal to provide electronic security to the temple.