Ayodhya donation theft row: SC seeks status report from SIT, response from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
On Monday, the Supreme Court asked for an update from the UP SIT regarding the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case and requested details on the SIT's composition, scheduling further discussion for the following week.
The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday sought a status report from the Uttar Pradesh‑constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing Ram Temple donation embezzlement. The SC also sought a response from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
“We direct SIT constituted by the State of Uttar Pradesh to submit a status report. Post this matter for further consideration next Monday. Please also mention the composition of SIT in the status report,” a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said.
Three petitions in SC
The SC intervention came in a plea seeking a CBI probe into the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Narendra Kumar Goswami, one of the three petitioners, had also sought a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the finances of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the affairs of the Ram temple.
Quick answers to key questions
The Supreme Court has requested a status report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Temple, which includes details about the SIT's composition.
The SIT was formed by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate allegations of misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple after concerns were raised regarding financial irregularities.
Investigators are cross-referencing banking transactions with various records such as land documents and vehicle registrations to assess if the accused possess assets that exceed their declared income.
The Trust is reviewing its banking arrangements for donations, including the possibility of using multiple banks or appointing a different bank to enhance security and prevent further misappropriation.
Yes, the allegations of embezzlement have raised concerns about financial management and oversight, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency from the Trust managing the Temple's donations.
Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav filed the second petition seeking similar measures.
Besides seeking a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe, the third petition filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh has sought a forensic audit of the entire finances of the temple trust.
The petition, filed by practising advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, said a CBI-led multi-disciplinary SIT should investigate the alleged financial irregularities and other purported illegalities concerning the affairs and administration of the temple trust.
In the petition, Rai sought directions to the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government and the Trust for constituting and operationalising such regulatory, supervisory and audit mechanisms, as may be necessary, to safeguard public interest and maintain the confidence of millions of devotees and donors.
Uttar Pradesh govt constitutes SIT
On 13 June, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT at the request of the temple trust following allegations of misappropriation of donations received at the Ram temple.
The SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the case, alleging that the Prime Minister was "protecting" Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and asserting that accountability for the functioning of the Trust rested with him.
Singh termed the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya temple a "blow" to people's faith.
"But the most significant issue today is the blow dealt to our deepest faith--concerning the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the birthplace of our revered deity, Lord Ram. This is a cause for which the Nirmohi Akhara has fought for over 150 years, and the Mahants of the Gorakhnath Trust for at least a century. Now, where is that Ram Lalla idol--the very deity who gave the temple its identity?" Singh asked, while speaking to ANI.
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