In a significant development on Tuesday, India’s Supreme Court directly confronted the Tamil Nadu government regarding the inexplicable disappearance of 41 crucial files pertinent to ongoing investigations into idol thefts. The court underscored the state’s fundamental obligation to preserve its rich cultural heritage.
Justice R. Mahadevan, part of a bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, pressed Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, representing the state, for answers. “From the very beginning,” Justice Mahadevan stated, “petitions to the Madras High Court have highlighted the theft of 376 idols. Authorities were provided with details for their recovery, including information that some idols were located in international museums. Yet, precisely when these details were presented, 41 files vanished. What is the true reason for these files going missing? Where are they now?”
Mr. Hegde responded that a portion of the files had been reconstructed. However, Justice Mahadevan was unimpressed, sternly warning the state’s legal team, “Has an FIR been lodged concerning these missing files? If not, we will be compelled to summon the Chief Secretary. It is an undeniable duty of the State to safeguard its culture.”
Justice Nagarathna echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity to unearth the complete truth behind the disappearances. She pointedly questioned, “Did separate fires erupt simultaneously across 38 police stations, incinerating these files? Or was there an official directive issued for their destruction?”
The Supreme Court’s hearing stems from a petition lodged by advocate Elephant Rajendran, who is fervently seeking a thorough and unbiased investigation into the missing documents. Rajendran’s petition alleges that these vanished files contained vital information regarding the theft of ancient temple idols, invaluable artifacts, precious jewels, and other assets. He further claims that their disappearance is a consequence of a “serious conspiracy” involving high-ranking police officials, the bureaucracy, and an influential ‘idol mafia’.
Progress Report: Some Idols Recovered
In response, Mr. Hegde confirmed that 11 First Information Reports (FIRs) have indeed been filed concerning the missing documents, and a number of stolen idols have been successfully retrieved.
Advocate Rajendran’s petition evocatively cited a 2019 observation by the Madras High Court, which stated, “Tamil Nadu, celebrated for its magnificent temples, boasts an unparalleled wealth of culture and heritage. The idols enshrined within its temples hold profound significance and a venerable history, with some dating back an astonishing 1,500 to 2,000 years.”