The Supreme Court on June 29 declined to grant an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a court-monitored, CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged irregularities in donations received by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Court directed that the matter be listed immediately after it reopens following the partial court working days.
Background of the Case
The petition has been filed by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav. It seeks registration of an FIR and the constitution of a multidisciplinary SIT headed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to examine allegations relating to the handling of donations made by devotees at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
The plea argues that an independent investigation is necessary, stating that the allegations involve public contributions made in faith and require a transparent inquiry. The petitioners have also sought directions to preserve bank records, digital data, CCTV footage and other documents connected with the temple's donation management.
Earlier this month, the Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a State-level SIT to examine the allegations after the temple trust requested an inquiry.
Court Observation
The matter was mentioned before a vacation bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu.
During the mentioning, the petitioner appearing in person submitted that the allegations were extremely serious and required immediate intervention.
Questioning the urgency, Justice Sundresh asked, "What's the urgency?"
When the petitioner expressed concerns over the manner in which the State was handling the matter, the Bench was not persuaded to hear the case during the ongoing partial court working days.
The Court simply directed, "List immediately after reopening."
Decision
Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations, the Supreme Court declined the request for an urgent hearing and ordered that the petition be listed immediately after the Court resumes regular functioning. The issues raised in the plea will now be considered at the next available opportunity after reopening.
Case Details:
Case Title: Ajay Kumar Rai v. Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
Case Number: WP (Crl.) No. 241/2026 @ Diary No. 37770/2026
Judge: Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu
Decision Date: June 29, 2026
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