SC seeks status report on SIT probe into Ayodhya Ram Temple donation embezzlement case

Amid the ongoing probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ayodhya Ram Temple, the Supreme Court on Monday (July 13) sought a status report from the SIT set up by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the case.

The apex court also issued notices to the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust, the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government on a batch of PILs seeking a CBI investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds at the temple, reported Live Law.

SC seeks status report

"Issue notice. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta accepts notice. Issue notice to Teerth Kshetra trust. Let a status report be filed. We direct SIT constituted by State of UP to submit a status report before this court. The SIT shall also have member composition," stated the bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, as quoted by the Bar and Bench.

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One of the petitions, filed by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, named the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government as respondents.

Plea seeks CBI probe

It alleged misappropriation, diversion and embezzlement of public donations meant for the Ram Temple and sought registration of a regular case followed by an independent, time-bound investigation.

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The petitioners argued that while an SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government is probing the allegations, it lacks the forensic expertise required for a complex financial investigation.

Questions over SIT probe

They also contended that the inquiry began without registration of an FIR, making its findings vulnerable to challenge. The plea relied on the Supreme Court's October 2024 order in Subramanian Swamy v. State of Andhra Pradesh and sought preservation of financial and electronic records.

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A separate petition by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh sought transfer of the probe to the CBI under the Supreme Court's supervision, besides directions to preserve evidence and ensure periodic disclosure of the Trust's audited financial statements and fund utilisation details.

Fresh petition by RJD MP

"After a battle of 123 years ..another battle has started SIT is formed. The evidence etc which is electronic in nature need to be preserved," the counsel for one of the petitioners submitted.

"Please preserve your energy. It will be needed outside," the CJI remarked before issuing notice on the petitions.