Former Sabarimala temple chief granted bail on health grounds

A Kerala court has granted bail to P.S. Prasanth, the former chief of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), on medical grounds in connection with the Sabarimala temple gold case. The Kollam court's decision to release Prasanth on bail marks a reversal of its earlier rejection of his bail petition.

Prasanth's health deteriorated significantly while in jail, prompting authorities to shift him to a hospital in August after he suffered a brain haemorrhage. Following this medical emergency, his legal team filed a fresh bail petition emphasizing the necessity for advanced medical treatment that could not be adequately provided during his incarceration.

The court ultimately accepted the grounds presented by Prasanth's counsel, determining that his continued detention posed undue health risks. The bail grant comes as Prasanth faces allegations related to the handling of gold and valuables at the Sabarimala temple, one of South India's most significant pilgrimage sites.

Prasanth's release on medical grounds reflects judicial consideration of an individual's health status during legal proceedings. The case, which has drawn considerable public attention given the religious and cultural significance of the Sabarimala shrine, continues to move through the legal system.