Justice R Mahadevan made the above observation while hearing the plea of rampant idol thefts in the state moved by R Venkatraman and Elephant G Rajendran. Further, on being informed that the 21 directions given by the court on July 21, 2017, remains largely on paper, the judge on flaying the officials for their lethargic attitude, set aside their request for implementation of the directions in a phased manner. He then posted the case for further hearing to March 23. 

Justice Mahadevan in his earlier order had directed Inspector General of Police Pon Manickvel and his team to continue the probe regarding various idol theft cases. Along with this, he had also ordered the transfer of all pending cases in various courts to the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kumbakonam for speedy disposal on a day-to day basis. The judge also directed computerisation of the idols stock.