Ram Mandir Donation Theft: SC Seeks UP SIT Report, Notice to Trust
Ram Mandir donation theft case reaches the Supreme Court. CJI seeks SIT status report, issues notice to Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The Ram Mandir donation theft case reached the Supreme Court this week. The top court sought a status report from Uttar Pradesh’s SIT. This happened on Monday during a hearing in New Delhi. The bench also issued notice to the temple trust. Several petitions demanded a CBI probe into the matter.
Supreme Court Hears Ram Mandir Donation Theft Petitions
A three-judge bench heard the case today. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant led the bench. Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana were also present. At least three separate petitions came up for hearing.
The court directed the UP-constituted SIT to file a report. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta accepted notice on behalf of the state. Notice was also issued to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The bench asked for details on the SIT’s member composition too.
As per sources, the petitions raise serious allegations. They claim dishonest misappropriation of public donations occurred. These donations were meant for constructing the Ram Temple. The alleged embezzlement and diversion of funds triggered public concern in recent months.
Key Details of the Petitions
One petition was filed by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav. It named the temple trust, Uttar Pradesh, and the Union government as respondents. According to reports, the plea argues the existing SIT lacks proper infrastructure. It says the probe began without registering a formal FIR first. This could weaken the evidentiary value of any findings later.
The petitioners drew a comparison with the Tirupati ghee adulteration case. In that 2024 matter, the Supreme Court replaced a state SIT with a CBI-led team. Petitioners want a similar approach applied here. They have asked the court to order preservation of key records. These include donation registers, bank ledgers, and CCTV footage.
A separate petition came from RJD Member of Parliament Sudhakar Singh. His plea seeks a full CBI-supervised investigation. It also proposes a temporary oversight committee. This committee would include retired judges and financial experts. Singh’s petition additionally demands regular public disclosure of the trust’s finances. This includes donation details and fund utilisation reports, while protecting donor privacy.
Key facts from the hearing include:
- Notice issued to the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
- Status report sought from the UP-constituted SIT
- SIT member composition is also required to be disclosed
- Multiple PILs seek a CBI-led investigation instead
- Precedent cited from the Tirupati ghee case of 2024
Social media posts suggest strong public interest in the case. Many users have drawn attention to the scale of donations involved. The temple has received significant public contributions since its inauguration.
Why the Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case Matters
This case carries major implications beyond a single financial dispute. The Ram Temple holds deep religious and cultural significance for millions. Allegations of financial irregularities at such an institution draw wide attention. They also raise questions about oversight of large religious trusts generally.
The reference to the Tirupati case is significant here. That precedent shows the Supreme Court’s willingness to replace state SITs. If applied again, it could shift this probe to the CBI. This would mark a major development in the case.
The involvement of an opposition MP adds a political dimension too. RJD’s Sudhakar Singh has pushed for court-monitored oversight. This reflects wider political interest in the temple’s financial affairs. Given the Ram Temple’s national profile, the case may attract sustained public scrutiny in the coming months.
The demand for financial transparency also stands out. Petitioners want regular disclosure of donation and expenditure data. This could set a precedent for accountability at other major religious institutions across India.
Conclusion
The Ram Mandir donation theft case is now before the Supreme Court. The bench has sought a report from the UP SIT. It has also issued a notice to the temple trust. Petitioners continue to press for a CBI-led investigation. With multiple PILs and political attention involved, the Ram Mandir donation theft matter is likely to remain under close judicial and public watch in the weeks ahead.
