New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday observed that the alleged embezzlement of donations collected at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is a straightforward criminal matter and should not be turned into a political issue. While hearing petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged financial irregularities, the apex court emphasised that its responsibility is to ensure a fair and proper probe rather than entertain political debates.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana made the observations during the hearing. Stressing the limited judicial role in the matter, the bench remarked that it was “a simple case of commission of crime” and that courts are not forums for political discourse. The judges also urged all parties involved to refrain from politicising the issue.
The petitions before the Supreme Court seek a court-monitored investigation into the alleged siphoning of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The petitioners have demanded a CBI probe, a forensic audit of the Trust’s accounts, and an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), arguing that the ongoing state investigation may not be sufficient.
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain instructions on whether a Special Investigation Team (SIT) could be constituted to investigate the allegations. In response, the Solicitor General informed the court that an SIT had already been formed and that the Uttar Pradesh Police was actively carrying out the investigation.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 27, when the Uttar Pradesh government is expected to provide an update on the progress of the SIT investigation and the steps taken so far.
According to the case details presented before the court, the investigation gained momentum after the SIT submitted an interim report. The report led to the registration of an FIR, the arrest of eight accused individuals, and the recovery of nearly ₹80 lakh, which investigators allege had been siphoned from temple donations.
The developments also had significant administrative consequences within the temple trust. Former Trust general secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra resigned following the emergence of the allegations and the subsequent investigation.
Sources associated with the probe indicated that the SIT has sought additional time to scrutinise financial records, administrative procedures, and the alleged irregularities before submitting its final report. The report is also expected to recommend reforms aimed at strengthening the temple’s donation collection, counting, accounting, and administrative systems to improve transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is scheduled to hold a meeting in Ayodhya on July 22 to review the SIT’s findings and consider corrective measures based on its recommendations.
The case continues to attract nationwide attention due to the religious significance of the Ram temple. However, the Supreme Court’s remarks underline that the focus should remain on conducting a thorough criminal investigation and ensuring accountability, rather than allowing the matter to become a subject of political confrontation.
