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 and stated that no political statements are necessary regarding this issue.
The hearing was conducted by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan.
The petitions were filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh, advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami, advocate Ajay Kumar Rai, Dinesh Kumar Yadav, and representatives of the Hindu Dharma Parishad.
The petitions call for an independent agency, specifically the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to conduct the investigation into the alleged theft. Additionally, they demand that the financial transactions of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) or through a forensic audit. The petitions also seek to secure all financial records of the Trust and prevent it from making significant financial decisions until the investigation is concluded.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice suggested the reconstitution of a 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 consult with the central government and update the court on this matter.
The bench also inquired about the current officers involved in the SIT. In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that police officers are part of the SIT, clarifying that it is not a separate investigative agency but is conducting inquiries based on the FIR registered after receiving information about the cognizable offense.
Mehta informed the court that a status report had been submitted by the state government just a day prior. So far, eight individuals have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing. He also noted that not all information related to the investigation could be shared publicly in court, as it might affect the inquiry. The SIT has preliminarily concluded that the case qualifies as a cognizable offense.
The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for next Monday, when the central government will clarify the situation before the court.
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