Written by Ashish ShajiNew Delhi | December 29, 2025 03:57 PM IST 5 min readKarnataka High Court's Justice Suraj Govindaraj was hearing a plea by a temple staffer who was suspended following allegations of theft of certain silver items from the temple.The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to place on record a comprehensive and updated status report on the digitisation and online disclosure of temple valuables and assets across the state.Justice Suraj Govindaraj has asked the additional government advocate to submit detailed information on the progress made in uploading data related to temple properties and valuables on the official website of the Endowment Commissioner.The court passed the direction while hearing a plea filed by an assistant archak (staffer) of a temple who was suspended following allegations of theft of certain silver items from the temple.During the hearing, the court noted that the temple’s managing committee had initiated enquiry proceedings, which were yet to be completed. Observing that it could not substitute itself for the enquiry officer, the court held that the petitioner was at liberty to raise all his defences before the enquiry authority.The court consequently dismissed the plea, while clarifying that the petitioner could avail himself of the statutory remedy of appeal if he had any grievance with the enquiry report or the action taken pursuant to it.During the proceedings, the court also sought clarification from the state on whether a consolidated inventory of gold, silver and other valuable items of temples across Karnataka had been prepared.The state submitted that such an inventory had indeed been made. However, when asked whether the inventory had been uploaded on the official website along with details of custodial entrustment, the State informed the court that a detailed report in this regard would be filed.Story continues below this adThe court therefore directed it to place on record the following:Status report on digitisation of temple assetsA detailed, consolidated, and updated status report regarding the uploading of complete information relating to the valuables and assets of temples across the state on the official website of the Endowment Commissioner which shall include:The stage-wise progress of digitisation and uploading of temple valuables and properties.The district-wise, temple-wise, and categorywise break-up of such uploaded data.The Taluka -wise, temple-wise, and categorywise break-up of such uploaded dataThe date of commencement and the present status of the uploading process.The technical platform, software application, or portal being utilised for hosting such information.The frequency and mechanism of periodic updating of the data so uploaded.The identity of the authority responsible for data entry, verification, and authentication.The system of access control, cyber security safeguards, and data protection measures adopted.The entrustment of custody, if any, of temple valuables to third parties, banks, lockers, treasuries, strong rooms, museums, or other agencies, along with the terms and conditions governing such entrustment.All other incidental, consequential, and allied aspects having a direct bearing on transparency, accountability, and protection of temple assets.Also Read | Faith, Morality and Law: When courts referred to religious texts in 2025Asset Inventory and ValuationThe court further directed that the details shall comprehensively include:A complete and item-wise inventory of all movable and immovable valuables, including ornaments, vessels, idols, artefacts, jewels, coins, antiques, other sacred or historical objects, etc.The methodology adopted for valuation, the name and designation of the competent valuer/s, and the latest assessed market value, along with the date of such valuation.High-resolution photographs and videographic documentation, wherever feasible, of each item forming part of the inventorySource-wise classification indicating whether each item has been received by way of: Donation, Bequest or endowment, Purchase from temple funds, Government grant.In cases of donations, the date of donation, particulars of the donor (where permissible), and nature of the donation.In cases of purchases, the date of purchase, cost incurred, mode of payment, vendor details, and certified copies of invoices, vouchers, and supporting financial records.Details of insurance coverage, including policy number, insurer, coverage value, and period of validity;Details regarding the place of storage, custody arrangements, security mechanisms, access control systems, audit trails, and inspection protocols.The audit status.Details of alienation, loss, damage, replacement, repair, or restoration, if any, with supporting orders and documentation.Also Read | From Madurai to Mathura: How courts navigated India’s major religious disputes in 2025Details of loss, theft, and damageComprehensive details of loss, theft, misappropriation, disappearance, damage, or destruction, if any, of any valuables, articles, ornaments, assets, or properties forming part of the aforesaid inventory.Details of pending proceedingsComplete particulars of all pending proceedings, whether civil, criminal, revenue, departmental, audit, surcharge, quasi-judicial, or writ proceedings, directly or indirectly connected with temple valuables, temple funds, alienation, misappropriation, loss, theft, encroachments, maladministration, or breach of trust.Recovery detailsExhaustive details of recovery, if any, effected in respect of stolen, lost, misappropriated, diverted, fraudulently alienated, or unlawfully disposed of temple properties and valuablesAshish Shaji is a Senior Sub-Editor at The Indian Express, where he specializes in legal journalism. Combining a formal education in law with years of editorial experience, Ashish provides authoritative coverage and nuanced analysis of court developments and landmark judicial decisions for a national audience. Expertise Legal Core Competency: Ashish is a law graduate (BA LLB) from IME Law College, CCSU. This academic foundation allows him to move beyond surface-level reporting, offering readers a deep-dive into the technicalities of statutes, case law, and legal precedents. Specialized Legal Reporting: His work at The Indian Express focuses on translating the often-dense proceedings of India's top courts into clear, actionable news. His expertise includes: Judicial Analysis: Breaking down complex orders from the Supreme Court and various High Courts. Legal Developments: Monitoring legislative changes and their practical implications for the public and the legal fraternity. Industry Experience: With over 5 years in the field, Ashish has contributed to several niche legal and professional platforms, honing his ability to communicate complex information. His previous experience includes: Lawsikho: Gaining insights into legal education and practical law. Verdictum: Focusing on high-quality legal news and court updates. Enterslice: Working at the intersection of legal, financial, and advisory services. ... Read More © IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Karnataka High Court