Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre, UP and Ram Mandir Trust on Pleas Seeking CBI Probe into Ayodhya Donation Theft
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union Government, the Uttar Pradesh Government, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored CBI investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. At the same time, the Court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Government to submit a detailed status report on the progress of its probe.
A three-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana passed the order while hearing multiple public interest petitions alleging financial irregularities in the handling of cash and valuables donated by devotees. The Bench also directed that the SIT’s report should specifically disclose the composition of the investigation team, enabling the Court to assess the nature and independence of the ongoing probe.
The petitions seek transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Some petitioners have also sought a forensic audit of the finances of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and preservation of all financial records, including bank statements, digital transaction logs, accounting records and CCTV footage, to prevent any possible destruction or tampering of evidence.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh Government, informed the Court that an SIT had already been constituted and that the investigation was in progress. While accepting notice on behalf of the Union and the State, the Court directed the Trust to file its response and listed the matter for further consideration after receiving the SIT’s report. The Bench indicated that any further directions would be considered after examining the progress made in the investigation.
The controversy arose after allegations surfaced that cash donations and valuable offerings made by devotees at the Ram Mandir had been systematically misappropriated by individuals involved in the counting and handling of donations. The allegations prompted the Uttar Pradesh Government to constitute a Special Investigation Team, while the Temple Trust initiated administrative reforms, including a restructuring of its management and the process to appoint a professional Chief Executive Officer to strengthen financial oversight.
The Supreme Court’s order does not amount to a direction for a CBI probe at this stage. Instead, the Court has chosen to first examine the findings of the State SIT before deciding whether the existing investigation is adequate or whether an independent, court-monitored investigation is warranted. The case is now expected to assume significance not only for the criminal investigation but also for broader questions relating to accountability, transparency and governance in the management of one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.
