The Supreme Court on Monday (27 July) directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report on its investigation into allegations of embezzlement of donations collected for the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The Court also ensured that a forensic auditor would be associated with the investigation to examine the financial aspects of the matter.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana was hearing a batch of petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged misuse of funds collected for the temple.
Background of the Case
Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court raising concerns over alleged irregularities in donations received for the Ram Mandir project. Among the petitioners are Narendra Kumar Goswami, advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, and Hindu Dharma Parishad.
The petitioners have sought an independent investigation by the CBI, along with measures to preserve financial and electronic records linked to the donations. Some petitions have also requested a forensic audit of the trust's finances and greater transparency in the management of donated funds.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the Court that the State had reconstituted the SIT. He said the team is headed by Inspector General of Police Kiran S and includes senior police officers. He also accepted the Court's suggestion to include a forensic auditor as part of the investigation.
Court Observations
Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for one of the petitioners, submitted that devotees from across the country had contributed amounts ranging from ₹100 to ₹500 through organised collection drives and expressed concerns that the entire amount may not have reached the trust managing the temple.
He suggested that donation receipts and financial records should be uploaded online to improve transparency.
The Bench, however, made it clear that its immediate concern was ensuring an effective investigation rather than deciding on long-term transparency measures.
Chief Justice Surya Kant observed,
"Let the SIT give its report. All remedial steps to ensure transparency will be taken. We are focused on having a fair, speedy and impartial investigation."
When a proposal was made for appointing a retired Supreme Court judge to supervise the investigation, the Court did not issue any such direction at this stage, stating that the present focus remained on the quality and speed of the ongoing probe.
Court's Direction
Recording the submissions made by the State, the Supreme Court noted that the reconstituted SIT has already taken charge of the investigation.
The Bench directed the SIT to file a status report on the next date of hearing and indicated that appropriate directions could be issued if any difficulties arise during the investigation.
The Court observed,
"We have been informed SIT has taken charge. Let the SIT submit a status report on the next date. If the SIT faces some issues, then also we will issue some directions."
With these directions, the Supreme Court continued to monitor the investigation while keeping the petitions pending for further consideration.
