The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant urgent listing to a petition seeking the constitution of a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged embezzlement, diversion and misappropriation of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
The Bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu, sitting during the Court’s partial working days, directed that the matter be listed immediately after the Supreme Court resumes regular functioning. The direction came after the petitioner, appearing in person, mentioned the matter seeking urgent listing.
The petitioner submitted that the allegations concerning the alleged financial irregularities involving public donations were of a serious nature and warranted immediate judicial intervention. It was argued that there was an imminent need for preservation of physical, electronic and financial records, including donation registers, bank records, CCTV footage, digital databases and other documentary evidence, as there was an apprehension that such material could be tampered with if the matter was not taken up urgently.
The Bench, however, questioned the urgency of the matter. When asked to justify immediate listing, the petitioner contended that the manner in which the State authorities were dealing with the issue had raised serious doubts regarding the fairness of the investigation. The Court was not persuaded by the submissions and declined to entertain the matter during the partial working days, directing that it be listed in the ordinary course after the Court reopens.
The petition sought directions to the Union Government, the State of Uttar Pradesh and the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to take appropriate measures to safeguard the interests of devotees and donors and to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration and utilisation of donations received for the Ram Mandir project.
It further sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and constitution of a court-monitored, CBI-led multi-disciplinary Special Investigation Team to conduct an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation into the alleged financial irregularities. It also prays for appropriate directions strengthening regulatory, supervisory and audit mechanisms governing the management of public donations collected by the Trust.
According to the petition, irrespective of whether the allegations relating to missing funds and financial irregularities are ultimately substantiated, the reports have generated widespread concern among devotees, donors and generations of individuals who participated in and supported the Ram Mandir movement. The plea contends that the allegations have adversely affected public confidence in the management of temple funds and, therefore, require judicial scrutiny and institutional safeguards.
The petition also questioned the adequacy of the investigation presently being conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Government. It states that although the State has constituted a Special Investigation Team and an FIR has already been registered, the State SIT lacks the specialised forensic and investigative infrastructure necessary to examine complex financial transactions, forensic accounting issues and digital evidence.
It was further contended that the investigation commenced without the registration of an FIR at the initial stage, rendering the evidentiary value of its findings susceptible to legal challenge.
Drawing support from earlier judicial precedents, the petition refers to the Supreme Court’s October 2024 order in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam adulterated ghee matter, wherein the Court replaced a State SIT with an independent multi-disciplinary SIT headed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Relying upon the same principle, the petitioners have urged the Court to entrust the present investigation to an independent agency capable of conducting a comprehensive financial and forensic probe.
Pending adjudication of the petition, interim directions have also been sought restraining any person or authority from tampering with physical, electronic or financial records relating to donations received by the Trust.
The Supreme Court, however, declined to accord immediate listing and directed that the matter be placed before the appropriate Bench after regular court proceedings resume on July 13, 2026.
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