New Delhi, June 15: An application has been filed in the Supreme Court by Advocate-on-Record Anup Prakash Awasthi, seeking directions to register a case regarding alleged irregularities linked to the Ram Mandir donation fund. The petition calls for an independent investigation by a prominent agency like the CBI under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.
The application highlights growing concerns among devotees, both nationally and internationally, regarding recent reports of mismanagement, embezzlement, or disappearance of funds associated with the Ram Mandir. While the Uttar Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the lack of a formal criminal investigation and FIR raises questions about the institutional response to these serious allegations.
The petition states, “I do not wish to form any preconceived opinion about any individual, institution, or authority. Nor is my intention to accuse the trust, whose members have rendered significant service. However, given the gravity of the allegations and the extraordinary importance of the involved institution, there is a need for transparency and credibility far beyond normal standards.”
Emphasizing the temple’s significance, the petition asserts that any allegations related to the donations extend beyond mere financial disputes. It further argues, “The matter concerning offerings made to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir transcends typical financial irregularities. It is tied to the faith of countless devotees.”
The application contends that the SIT established by the state government is inadequate. It also states that unless an investigation is conducted under the oversight of a constitutional court, a large segment of devotees may doubt the impartiality of the inquiry.
The petition claims, “Despite allegations related to donations from millions of devotees, no FIR has been registered so far. Moreover, the failure to initiate standard criminal legal procedures may create a perception that this case is being treated as an administrative irregularity rather than serious criminal misconduct.”
The memorandum urges the Supreme Court to direct a CBI investigation under its supervision, establish a mechanism to safeguard the funds received in donations, and order an examination of all aspects related to the collection, accounting, custody, management, and distribution of donations received by the temple.
It is noteworthy that following directives from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government has formed an SIT. The team includes Lucknow’s Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police (Lucknow Range) Kiran S., and Special Secretary of the Finance Department Neel Ratan. Reports indicate that the team has been instructed to submit an initial report within seven days and a final report within fifteen days.
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