Open Kerala temple vault, says SC panel

New Delhi: The panel set up by the Supreme Court on the Padmanabhaswamy Temple treasure in Kerala has said in its report that the temple's secret vault should be opened and the value of the treasure inside be ascertained.

In the report of the Supreme Court appointed expert committee accessed by CNN-IBN, the panel has insisted on opening the vault due to security concerns and to evaluate the treasure.

The committee's interim report contradicts the demands of the Travancore royal family.

The committee has submitted an interim report to the Supreme Court, which will decide on the matter on Friday.

The royal family had earlier insisted the temple treasure belongs to the Gods and should be left untouched. Temple priests also held a Devaprasnam or invoking-the-Gods ceremony, which the Supreme Court took serious note of.