Rs. 1 crore on temple security every month

NEW DELHI: Liz Mathews, appearing for the State of Kerala in the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple case told an apex court bench that an affidavit regarding the security to be provided for the temple had been filed on behalf of the state, adding that the state had its own apprehensions and reservations. However, the expert committee feels otherwise, she said, asking the court to consider reducing the expenditure on security.Justice Raveendran asked her whether the security plan of the state government could be made operational within a time-frame of two months. Senior counsel K K Venugopal, appearing for the erstwhile prince of Travancore Marthanda Varma said the state government felt that a cap needs to be placed on the budget for the security of the temple.At this, Justice Raveendran said, “Temple indicates that it doesn’t have funds. Moreover, where is the case going? We’ve involved the government.  We’ve involved the CRPF…. Okay, you pay 99 percent of the expenditure and the temple will pay one percent,” he remarked looking at the counsel for the state government.This evoked laughter from the court hall. “Where do they have that kind of money?” he questioned.Senior counsel P P Rao, appearing for Rama Varma, younger brother of Marthanda Varma said that priority needs to be afforded to providing security to the temple and its wealth. Senior counsel M N Krishnamani, appearing for Kerala Kshetra Samithi told the Bench that protection has to be given without hurting the sentiments of the people.Justice Raveendran said, “We will ensure, but if certain measures are needed to be taken, we will take. We are not for breaking traditions, but if something is required, we’ll have to take it. Suppose police has to enter the temple?” he asked.“We will pass orders next Wednesday,” he said and rose for the day. The State of Kerala said the wealth found at the temple belongs exclusively to the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple and nobody could stake any claim on it.It also said that it has put in place a security plan with an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police for monitoring the situation round-the-clock.The government said it was spending Rs 1 crore on security every month. There has been a proposal for limiting the entry points to the temple and for regulating the traffic.