On December 19, 2025, the Kerala High Court dismissed bail pleas of three former officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) linked to alleged gold misappropriation at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. The Bench led by Justice A. Badharudeen rejected the pleas of Murari Babu, former TDB administrative officer; N. Vasu, former board president; and K.S. Baiju, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner. They are accused by a special investigation team (SIT) probing theft from the temple's Dwarapalaka idols and door side frames. The accused face several charges including criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.