Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Scandal: Chargesheet Deadline Approaches

Investigation Update on Ram Temple Donations

In New Delhi, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) assigned to look into the alleged misappropriation of funds at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to submit its initial chargesheet by September 25, as indicated to the Supreme Court on Monday.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, that the statutory 90-day timeframe following the first arrest in this case is nearing its end.

Mehta stated, "The 90-day period from the date of the first arrest will conclude on September 25, necessitating the filing of the chargesheet to prevent the accused from obtaining default bail."

The Supreme Court also reviewed a comprehensive status report from the SIT, which was submitted under seal.

According to Section 167 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), an accused is entitled to statutory bail if the investigation agency does not file the chargesheet within the designated period of either 60 or 90 days.

The new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has replaced Section 167(2) of the previous CrPC.

Previously, the Supreme Court had instructed the SIT to expedite its investigation and reach a logical conclusion.

The court had mandated the SIT to provide a status report regarding the progress of the investigation into the alleged theft of donations.

On July 27, the Supreme Court acknowledged the formation of a four-member SIT, led by IGP Kiran S, to investigate the suspected embezzlement of donations.

The court also requested that the Uttar Pradesh government include a forensic auditor in the investigative team.

The bench emphasized the need for "remedial actions" to ensure transparency in the investigation.

It had also directed the SIT to submit a status report within two weeks.

On July 20, the bench inquired about the possibility of establishing an SIT to investigate the alleged donation embezzlement.

Earlier, on July 13, the bench had instructed the Uttar Pradesh Police to provide a status report on the matter.

Additionally, it issued a notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust regarding petitions calling for a thorough and timely investigation into the alleged theft of donations.

Following the emergence of allegations concerning irregularities in donation management at the Ram temple, several petitioners, including RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, approached the Supreme Court, seeking a CBI investigation and a forensic audit of the temple trust's finances.