Supreme Court Representation Calls for Investigation into Ayodhya Temple Donations
Call for Judicial Oversight in Ayodhya Temple Donation Inquiry
File image of Ayodhya Temple (Photo: @IndiaLiveIN/X)
New Delhi, June 15: A formal request has been made to the Supreme Court, urging it to mandate the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) and to oversee an investigation into claims of misappropriation of funds at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
This representation, directed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, was submitted by Advocate-on-Record Anoop Prakash Awasthi. He has called for an independent inquiry by a leading investigative body, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), under the Supreme Court's direct supervision.
The representation emphasizes that the matter affects the faith of millions, highlighting recent reports of alleged irregularities and the misappropriation of donations linked to the Ram Temple, which have raised concerns among devotees both domestically and internationally.
While the Uttar Pradesh government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the lack of a formal criminal investigation and FIR has led to doubts regarding the institutional response to these serious allegations.
"I do not wish to prejudge any individual or institution, nor do I intend to cast doubt on the Trust, whose members have provided invaluable service. However, the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of the institution necessitate a level of transparency and credibility that exceeds ordinary standards," the representation asserts.
It further states that the temple's significance means that donations made by devotees are sacred offerings, and any allegations regarding these contributions take on a significance that goes beyond a typical financial dispute.
"The matter concerning offerings to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir transcends ordinary financial misconduct. It pertains to the faith of countless devotees. The core issue is not merely about financial loss; it is about maintaining public trust in the management of one of the world's most revered religious institutions," it explains.
The representation argues that the SIT formed by the state government is insufficient, suggesting that many devotees may continue to have concerns about the independence of any inquiry unless it is conducted under the oversight of a Constitutional court.
It also points out that no FIR has been filed despite allegations involving donations from millions of devotees, indicating that the failure to initiate a standard criminal law process could suggest that the issue is being treated as an administrative matter rather than a serious criminal breach of trust.
"The lack of a formal criminal investigation at this stage, despite serious allegations involving donations from millions of devotees, raises significant questions about the institutional response to the situation," the representation states.
Additionally, it references reports suggesting that certain individuals involved in donation management possess assets disproportionate to their known income sources, clarifying that whether these allegations are substantiated or disproven is a matter for a competent investigation.
Seeking judicial intervention, the representation requests the Supreme Court to direct a CBI investigation under its supervision, establish a mechanism to safeguard donated funds, and examine all aspects related to the collection, accounting, custody, management, and disbursement of donations received by the temple.
"In situations where public trust in institutions is at stake, the confidence of millions of devotees can only be restored through an investigation that is clearly independent, thorough, and free from any potential influence, pressure, or conflict of interest," it concludes.
This representation arises amid ongoing controversy regarding alleged irregularities in donations made to the Ram Temple.
In response to directives from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government has formed an SIT that includes Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police (Lucknow Range) Kiran S., and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. The team has been tasked with submitting a preliminary report within seven days and a final report within 15 days.
The issue has gained political momentum following allegations from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who claimed that significant sums from temple donations have gone missing and has called for judicial intervention.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has also requested an SIT investigation, asserting that rumors and misleading information are circulating on social media, and that an impartial inquiry is essential to present the facts to the public.
Meanwhile, Prakash Gupta, in charge of the temple trust camp office, stated that donations received at counters are only accepted with receipts and suggested that any discrepancies, if proven, could be related to the counting of money deposited in donation boxes rather than those collected based on receipts.