NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its orders on the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. A Bench comprising Justice R V Raveendran and Justice A K Patnaik passed the orders reserving the orders of all the parties to the case on the implementation of the expert committee’s recommendations vis-a-vis the inventorisation of valuables, which included antique golden jewellery and the directions required to the state government with regard to meeting of the expenditure for inventory and security of the temple.The Bench felt that the massive wealth recovered from within the temple was perhaps at a ‘risk’ in view of the widespread publicity given to it in the media.Senior counsel Dhruv Mehta, Vipin Nair and B Suresh, appearing for the devotees/plaintiffs, told the Bench that the state government was high on promise and low on performance.It has proposed a mere Rs 2.80 crore per year for the security of the temple, they said. They also brought to the notice of the Bench the expert committee’s recommendations in contrast to the averments made by the state government in its affidavit.Liz Mathews, appearing for Kerala, said though an affidavit had been filed on behalf of the state the state has its own apprehensions and reservations. But, the expert committee feels otherwise.Consider reducing the expenditure, she pleaded. Justice Raveendran asked her whether the security plan of the state government could be made operational within two months.Senior counsel M N Krishnamani, appearing for the Kerala Kshetra Samithi, told the Bench that protection has to be given without hurting the sentiments of the people."We will ensure, but if certain measures are needed to be taken, we will take. We are not for breaking traditions, but if something is required, we’ll have to take it. Suppose the police have to enter the temple?...” Justice Ravindran said. "We will pass orders next Wednesday,’’ he said.
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