New Delhi, July 20: The Supreme Court has heard four petitions demanding an independent investigation into the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. During the proceedings, the court emphasized its serious approach to the matter, stating that political rhetoric is unnecessary.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan, addressed the petitions filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh, advocates Narendra Kumar Goswami, Ajay Kumar Rai, Dinesh Kumar Yadav, and representatives from the Hindu Dharma Parishad.
The petitions call for an independent agency, specifically the CBI, to investigate the alleged theft. They also request a financial audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) or a forensic audit of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s financial transactions. Additionally, the petitions seek to secure all financial records of the Trust and prevent it from making significant financial decisions until the investigation is complete.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice suggested restructuring the Special Investigation Team (SIT), proposing that a senior and experienced IPS officer should lead the investigation to ensure it reaches a conclusive level. The court instructed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to inform the court after consulting with the central government regarding this matter.
The bench also inquired about the current officers involved in the SIT. In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta clarified that the SIT comprises police officers and is not a separate investigative agency; rather, it is conducting an investigation based on an FIR registered after receiving information about a cognizable offense.
He informed the court that the state government had submitted a status report just a day prior. So far, eight individuals have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.
Mehta also noted that not all information related to the investigation can be publicly shared in court, as it may affect the inquiry. He mentioned that the SIT’s preliminary investigation has concluded that the case qualifies as a cognizable offense.
The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for next Monday, when the central government will clarify the situation before the court.
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