Supreme Court Warns Against Politicising Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case, Assures Fair Investigation
The Supreme Court has cautioned all parties against politicising the alleged theft and embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, observing that the matter is fundamentally a criminal investigation and should not be converted into a political controversy. Hearing a batch of petitions concerning the alleged financial irregularities, the Court stressed that its focus is to ensure a lawful, transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations.
A three-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana remarked that courts are not forums for political battles. During the hearing, the Bench observed, “Don’t politicise the issue. It is a simple prima facie case of commission of an offence,” while making it clear that the judicial process would remain confined to ensuring that the investigation reaches its logical conclusion in accordance with law.
The proceedings arise out of petitions seeking an independent probe into allegations that donations and valuables offered by devotees at the Ram Mandir were misappropriated during the collection and counting process. Petitioners have sought a court-monitored investigation, accountability for those responsible and preservation of all financial and documentary records connected with temple donations. The Uttar Pradesh Government informed the Court that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is already probing the allegations and has submitted a status report on the progress of the investigation.
Expressing confidence in the need for a credible investigation, the Supreme Court indicated that it would ensure a “proper investigation” into the allegations. The Bench examined the status report filed by the State Government and considered whether the investigation should continue under a strengthened SIT rather than the local police machinery, with the objective of maintaining public confidence in the probe.
The Court also underscored the importance of preserving evidence. It directed that records relating to donations, receipts and financial transactions connected with the temple be properly maintained so that investigators have access to all relevant material during the course of the probe. The preservation of documentary and electronic evidence, the Court observed, is essential for ensuring transparency and arriving at the truth.
While hearing the matter, the Bench refrained from expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations or the culpability of any individual. Instead, it emphasised that the investigation must proceed independently, without external pressure or political influence, and that criminal liability, if any, must ultimately be determined through the due process of law.
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing on July 27, by which time further progress in the investigation is expected to be placed before the Bench. The Court’s observations reinforce the principle that controversies involving public religious institutions and charitable donations should be resolved through impartial criminal investigation and judicial oversight, rather than political discourse, so that public confidence in both the investigation and the administration of justice is preserved.
