SC to hear pleas seeking CBI probe into Ram temple donation scam on July 13
Three petitions seek a CBI probe, forensic audit and greater transparency in the Ram temple trust's finances, even as Uttar Pradesh Police continue their investigation
The Supreme Court will hear a batch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple on Monday (July 13). The three writ petitions will be heard by a bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.
Three petitions
One of the petitions filed by Narendra Kumar Goswami, petitioner-in-person, seeks a CBI probe into and a CAG audit of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust’s finances. The trust manages the Ayodhya Ram temple.
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According to a Live Law report, the second petition filed by Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, petitioners-in-person, also seeks a CBI probe into the case.
Comprehensive forensic audit sought
The report further stated that the third petition filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh seeks a comprehensive forensic audit of the finances of the Ram temple trust in view of the alleged embezzlement of donations.
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It also seeks directions for preservation of all financial records, including physical documents, digital ledgers, UPI transaction logs and bank statements to ensure that there is no tampering of evidence.
Audit, oversight sought
The petitioner has urged the Court to issue an order restraining the Trust from going ahead with undertaking major investments, getting into substantial contracts without prior approval of the proposed Oversight Committee.
The plea further stated that the Trust should be directed to publish audited financial statements and donation records on its official website to ensure public transparency.
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The petition also seeks a detailed forensic audit of the Trust's accounts, donations, offerings, banking transactions and other financial records by an independent agency of established credibility. It further prays for a direction that the audit report be placed before the Supreme Court. It requests that confidential or sensitive donor information be protected wherever necessary.
It also asks the Court to call for a complete statement of all donations and contributions received since the Trust's formation, including cash donations, bank transfers, digital payments, foreign contributions, donations in kind, gold, silver and other valuables. The petition further seeks details regarding the accounting, custody and utilisation of these contributions.
Probe underway
During the partial court working days, the Supreme Court declined a request for urgent listing of the petitions. Similar petitions seeking comparable reliefs are also pending before the Allahabad High Court.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police have registered an FIR following an inquiry conducted by a Special Investigation Team constituted by the State Government. Eight persons are currently in custody.