Supreme Court of India. File
| Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma
The Supreme Court on Friday (December 20, 2024) directed the Secretary, Home Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, to remain present virtually in January 2025 to explain the disappearance of 41 files related to First Information Reports (FIRs) in idol theft cases from police custody.
A Bench headed by Justice A.S. Oka said it was “shocking” to know that the police simply registered fresh FIRs in 11 of the cases.
“The moment you file fresh FIRs, it becomes a defence for the accused. How can fresh FIRs be registered?” Justice Oka asked senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the State.
The court recorded the information that 27 of the 41 files were traced, though no steps were taken in the case of three.
Advocate GS Mani, appearing for petitioner Elephant G. Rajendran, said the thefts happened several years ago. “The idols involved are worth over ₹300 crore in the international market. There is no progress made in these cases. This is sheer negligence,” he submitted.
The Bench directed the State Home Secretary to file a personal affidavit before January 27, 2025, while listing the case on January 31, 2025.
The Supreme Court had issued notice to the State Home Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Commissioner, and the Additional DGP heading the Idol Theft Wing in February 2023.
Mr. Rajendran had sought a free and fair investigation into the circumstances leading to the disappearance of the files allegedly going missing. Mr. Mani had submitted that the missing files dealt with the theft of antique temple idols, precious artifacts, jewels, and other properties.
The petitioner had alleged that the disappearance was the result of a “serious conspiracy” among the higher police officers, the bureaucracy, and the idol mafia.
Mr. Rajendran’s petition had quoted the Madras High Court saying in a 2019 case that “Tamil Nadu is a State which is known for its majestic temples, its rich culture and heritage. Idols consecrated in its temples have their significance and rich heritage… Some of the idols date back by 1500 to 2000 years.”
Published – December 20, 2024 04:03 pm IST
