Supreme Court Asks Tamil Nadu to Explain Slow Pace of Returning Smuggled Idols

The Supreme Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to explain a long delay in restoring temple artifacts and idols that were smuggled to foreign museums and art galleries. A report by the state's idol wing showed that only 29 idols were brought back from other countries in the past 12 years, while 75 idols still remain abroad.

Court Proceedings And Arguments

A bench of justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan heard the matter following a petition by lawyer-activist Elephant G Rajendran and an application by former Inspector General AG Pon Manickavel regarding missing case files and stolen antique idols. The state's report noted that 1,745 idols and artifacts have been recovered since 2012, with 382 people arrested and 74 convictions secured. However, investigations in 440 cases remain pending as of October 29, 2026. The state argued that recovery from foreign soil depends on central government cooperation through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties and letters rogatory, since the items are held in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Australia. The court directed the state government to submit a comprehensive response by December 8, specifically asking for the current status of FIRs and active trials.

Repatriation Details And Recoveries

The state informed the court that the Idol Wing CID has successfully brought back 29 idols from abroad since 2014, including 14 from the USA, nine from Australia, four from the UK, and one each from Singapore and the Netherlands. Recent recoveries include the Tirumangai Alwar idol from the UK in July 2026, metal idols of Nayanar Sundarar and his consort from the USA in May, and a Kannapa Nayanar idol from the Netherlands in October. Meanwhile, 75 traced idols connected with 31 cases await recovery. The state also noted that 1,110 antique and 606 non-antique idols have been recovered locally over the past 14 years, with 105 handed back to temples for public worship. Meanwhile, advocate PV Yogeswaran alleged police collusion in some idol thefts and noted that plans to build strongrooms for thousands of identified temples remain unaccounted for in the status report.

Context

India is a signatory to the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which helps prevent the illegal import and transfer of cultural property. Recovering historical artifacts from foreign galleries requires strict documentary proof and diplomatic coordination between state and central authorities.