Home Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, to remain present virtually in January 2025 to explain the disappearance of 41 files: SC

INN/New Delhi, @Infodeaofficial

In order to provide an explanation for the loss of 41 papers pertaining to First Information Reports (FIRs) in cases of idol theft from police custody, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Secretary of the Home Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu to be present virtually in January 2025.

“It becomes a defense for the accused the moment you file new FIRs. How can register a new FIR? Senior State advocate Sanjay Hegde was questioned by Justice Oka. Although no action was taken in the case of three of the 41 files, the court noted that 27 of the files were traced.

Speaking on behalf of petitioner Elephant G. Rajendran, advocate GS Mani stated that the thefts took place a number of years back. The international market value of the concerned idols exceeds ₹300 crore. In these circumstances, no progress has been made. “This is just plain carelessness,” he argued.

On January 31, 2025, the Bench listed the case and instructed the State Home Secretary to submit a personal declaration by January 27, 2025. In February 2023, the State Home Secretary, the Director General of Police (DGP), the Commissioner for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, and the Additional DGP in charge of the Idol Theft Wing received notice from the Supreme Court.

Mr. Rajendran has requested a free and impartial inquiry into the events that resulted in the purportedly missing files. According to Mr. Mani’s submission, the lost files included information about the theft of gems, priceless artifacts, old temple idols, and other assets. According to the petitioner, the disappearance was the consequence of a “serious conspiracy” involving the idol mafia, the bureaucracy, and higher ranking police personnel.

The Madras High Court stated in a 2019 case that Tamil Nadu is a state renowned for its magnificent temples, rich culture, and legacy, which was cited in Mr. Rajendran’s appeal. Its temple-consecrated idols have a rich history and importance. A few of the idols are between 1500 and 2000 years old.