The Supreme Court on Monday delivered the long-awaited judgement in the dispute involving the status of the Travancore royal family in the ...
The Supreme Court on Monday delivered the long-awaited judgement in the dispute involving the status of the Travancore royal family in the management of the ancient Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Overturning the verdict of the Kerala High Court in 2011, the Supreme Court restored the right of the royal family in the management of the temple. With the verdict, however, the administration of the temple stands delegated to a proposed administrative committee, as requested by the royal family itself.
One of the reasons why the verdict was eagerly anticipated was the fate of a vault in the temple that remained unopened. In 2011, following directions of the Supreme Court, five vaults were opened and the riches inside were evaluated at over Rs 1 lakh crore. However, when it came to vault B, the royal family objected to its opening, citing a legend that it is cursed and would invoke the wrath of the deity.
The Supreme Court seems to have struck a balance between the interests of the royal family, who represent a tradition that dates back to the 18th century, and the interests of the state, which wanted control of the temple.
The temple and the deity have a fascinating history, with the Travancore...
