UP Government-Appointed SIT Files Sealed-Cover Status Report Before Supreme Court in Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case
The Uttar Pradesh Government-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted a sealed-cover status report before the Supreme Court in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations made by devotees for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The report was placed before a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in compliance with an earlier direction of the apex court, marking a significant development in the court-monitored proceedings.
The matter concerns a batch of petitions seeking an independent and transparent investigation into allegations that funds and donations intended for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple were misappropriated by certain individuals. The Uttar Pradesh Government had constituted an SIT to probe the allegations, and the Supreme Court had directed the investigating agency to periodically apprise it of the progress of the investigation through confidential status reports.
During the hearing, the contents of the status report were not disclosed in open court, as it had been filed in a sealed cover owing to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation. The Bench examined the report while reiterating that the investigation must proceed fairly, independently and without any external influence. The Court made it clear that its primary concern is to ensure a credible criminal investigation and not to prejudge the allegations.
The Supreme Court also cautioned against politicising the controversy, observing that allegations relating to theft or embezzlement of devotees’ donations constitute a criminal law issue that must be investigated strictly in accordance with law. The Bench emphasised that the judicial process should not become a platform for political narratives and that accountability and transparency should remain the central objectives of the proceedings.
In view of concerns regarding the effectiveness of the existing probe, the Court directed the Uttar Pradesh Government to reconstitute the SIT by inducting senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to strengthen the investigation. The Bench indicated that a more robust and independent investigative mechanism was necessary to inspire public confidence, while allowing the ongoing probe to continue under judicial oversight.
The Court further directed that all records relating to donations, receipts and financial transactions connected with the Ram Mandir project be preserved to facilitate a comprehensive investigation. It clarified that these directions are intended to protect evidence and ensure that investigators have access to all relevant material while examining the allegations of financial irregularities.
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing after the reconstituted SIT submits its progress. Until then, the investigation will continue under the Court’s supervision. The eventual outcome of the proceedings is expected to determine whether any criminal liability arises from the alleged misappropriation of temple donations while reinforcing judicial scrutiny over investigations involving public religious trusts and charitable contributions.
