Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 13 -- The Kerala high court on Monday suggested that the State ought to draft a law for the protection of temple properties by including penal provisions that would punish those violating their duties.

The observation was made by Justice A Badharudeen while hearing the petitions for bail filed by former TDB president A Padmakumar, ex-official Murari Babu and Bellary jeweller R Govardhan in the Sabarimala gold theft case.

The SIT of the Kerala police has been probing the misappropriation of gold from the 'dwarapalaka' (guardian) idols and the 'sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum) door frames at the Sabarimala temple. At least 12 people have been arrested by the SIT so far in the case.

The HC judge raised the need for ...