Supreme Court Calls for Reformation of SIT for Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Investigation

On Monday, the Supreme Court suggested that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate alleged misappropriation of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be reconstituted. The court expressed a preference for the investigation to be led by a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer with relevant experience in handling such cases. A three-judge bench, presided over by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), noted that the previous SIT was tasked with submitting an initial report. Consequently, the court indicated that a new SIT should be formed for a comprehensive investigation. This remark came after the Solicitor General representing the Uttar Pradesh government informed the court that the SIT was established to uncover the truth and had discovered that a cognizable offense had occurred. In response, the Supreme Court questioned whether the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from Lucknow and two senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, who were part of the SIT, could ensure impartiality and transparency in the main investigation.

This bench included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan. The bench cautioned against politicizing the matter, emphasizing that it is a straightforward criminal case. CJI Kant remarked that this is merely a suggestion and urged not to politicize the issue. He stated, 'Courts are not a place for politics; we are here solely to ensure a proper investigation of the case.' The court has yet to issue any final orders or directives in this matter, with the next hearing scheduled for July 27. This comment from the Supreme Court followed the SIT's submission of a status report to the bench in a sealed envelope. The court had previously instructed the SIT to present its report during the hearing on July 13. At that time, the court also issued a notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust regarding petitions demanding a thorough investigation into the matter.

During that session, the court noted that since some writ petitions indicated that certain FIRs had already been filed and an SIT had been formed for the investigation, it directed the SIT established by the Uttar Pradesh government to present a status report before this court.