Vijayan slams Kerala minister over remarks on HC's role in Sabarimala affairs

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 14 (PTI) Kerala Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday criticised Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan for his remarks on the High Court's role in Sabarimala affairs, alleging that the UDF government was trying to weaken the investigation into the temple gold theft case. Calling the minister's remarks "untimely", Vijayan said the government had been making "planned attempts" to derail the investigation in to the Sabarimala theft case ever since it came to power. "The statement made by Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan that the government is unable to take decisions on the administrative and ritual matters of Sabarimala due to court interventions is untimely," he said in a statement here. Claiming that the case was being investigated by a Special Investigation Team appointed by the Kerala High Court, Vijayan said, "Since this government came to power, there have been planned attempts to derail the investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case." He alleged that the UDF government had created the post of Special Government Pleader and appointed the defence counsel in the Sabarimala gold theft case to that position, adding that the appointment was later revoked following widespread protests. "The minister had put forward the strange argument that entrusting the prosecution to the defence counsel would help conduct the case effectively," Vijayan said. Accusing the V D Satheesan-led government of changing its stand on judicial intervention after assuming office, he said, "Those who welcomed court-monitored investigations into Devaswom matters while in the Opposition are now changing their stand on court intervention after coming to power." "The hidden motive behind conveniently welcoming court oversight when it suits them and portraying it as an obstacle when it does not is clear," he said. Vijayan also said it was inappropriate for ministers to make statements that challenge constitutional institutions and the legal system. "This remark against the judiciary by a minister who is constitutionally bound to discharge his responsibilities should be viewed seriously. Any attempt to weaken the gold theft case will be opposed. The public should remain vigilant in this matter," he added. The statement came days after Muraleedharan criticised what he described as "excessive intervention" by the Kerala High Court in the affairs of Sabarimala and other temples. On Sunday, the minister said the court was deciding even on matters such as which flower should be used at the hill shrine and how queues for devotees should be arranged. He said there was a need to examine whether such extensive judicial intervention in temple affairs was warranted. Earlier this month, while replying to questions in the Assembly, Muraleedharan had said that key decisions relating to the administration of the Sabarimala temple were being taken in accordance with High Court directions, and that both the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board were acting as per judicial orders. He also said the government had refrained from commenting on such issues out of respect for the judiciary. PTI TGB SA