Decision on default bail could result in all accused being released from custody amid delays in investigation
Kollam, April 13: The Vigilance Court in Kollam is set to hear the default bail plea of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) member K.P. Sankaradas on Monday in connection with the Sabarimala gold smuggling case. The hearing is significant as Sankaradas remains the only accused still in custody, and a favourable order would mean that all those named in the case are out on bail.
The case, linked to alleged gold smuggling associated with the administration of the Sabarimala Temple, has seen a series of bail orders in recent weeks. Out of the 13 accused, 12 were arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Among them, nine secured default bail after the investigation team failed to file a chargesheet within the legally mandated 90-day period, while two others were granted bail earlier during their remand.
Sankaradas, who was taken into custody on January 14, had previously approached the court multiple times seeking bail on health grounds, but those pleas were rejected. With the completion of 90 days in judicial custody, he has now filed for default bail, a legal provision that allows an accused to seek release if the investigating agency does not submit its chargesheet within the stipulated timeframe.
Legal experts note that default bail is a procedural safeguard designed to prevent prolonged detention without formal charges. Its application in this case has brought attention to delays in the investigation, even as the allegations themselves continue to be examined.
Meanwhile, another accused in the case, S. Jayashree, had earlier obtained anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court. The investigation also overlaps with other related cases, including the Kattillapally case and the Dwarapalaka idol case, in which Sankaradas is also listed as an accused, adding further complexity to the proceedings.
Observers point out that the granting of default bail does not imply innocence or absolve the accused of charges. Instead, it underscores procedural lapses and ensures that the rights of the accused are protected during the course of the investigation.
The court is expected to deliver its decision later in the day. The outcome will determine the custody status of all accused in the case, even as the SIT continues its probe and prepares to file the chargesheet.
Input & Images : Hindusthan Samachar
Edited by Madhusudhan Reddy
Last Updated on: Sunday, April 12, 2026 3:04 am by Madhusudhan Reddy | Published by: Madhusudhan Reddy on Sunday, April 12, 2026 3:04 am | News Categories: Trending, General