Supreme court to hear pleas seeking independent probe into Ram Temple donation case
The Supreme Court is set to hear a batch of petitions seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The petitions seek a CBI-led, time-bound investigation along with a forensic audit of the temple's donation records to examine the alleged financial irregularities. The matter is scheduled to come up before the apex court on July 13.
The pleas come amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, while law enforcement agencies have continued their probe into the alleged misappropriation of temple funds.
The controversy has also led to significant administrative changes within the temple trust. The trust recently accepted the resignations of its General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, appointed an interim secretary, and initiated the process to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The case has drawn nationwide attention, with political leaders and religious organisations weighing in. While several opposition leaders have demanded an independent probe, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has expressed confidence in the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry and called for accountability in handling devotees' donations.
The Supreme Court's hearing is expected to determine whether an independent investigation or any further judicial monitoring is warranted alongside the ongoing SIT probe.
