Supreme Court Urges Swift Investigation into Ram Temple Donation Mismanagement
Supreme Court Directs SIT on Ram Temple Donation Case
New Delhi: On Monday, the Supreme Court instructed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the court to expedite its inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and to reach a definitive conclusion.
A panel consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana mandated the SIT to submit a sealed status report detailing the progress of the investigation into the donation theft.
The court also encouraged the SIT to thoughtfully consider any recommendations from various litigants aimed at enhancing the investigation's quality and transparency.
The bench indicated that following its review of the SIT's report, it might issue directives to reform the management of donations from devotees visiting the Ram temple.
On July 27, the Supreme Court acknowledged the establishment of a four-member SIT led by IGP Kiran S to investigate the alleged embezzlement of donations.
It also requested the Uttar Pradesh government to incorporate a forensic auditor into the investigative team.
The bench noted that necessary remedial measures would need to be implemented to ensure transparency.
Additionally, the SIT was instructed to provide a status update within two weeks.
Earlier, on July 20, the bench had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to inform it about the feasibility of forming an SIT to investigate the alleged donation misappropriation.
On July 13, the Uttar Pradesh Police was directed to present a status report regarding the case.
The court had also issued a notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in response to 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 temple, several petitioners, including RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, have approached the Supreme Court requesting a CBI investigation and a forensic audit of the temple trust's finances.