Supreme Court Warns Against Politicising Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

The Supreme Court of India on Monday stressed that the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case should not become a political issue and instead be investigated fairly and transparently. During the hearing, the court asked the Uttar Pradesh government whether the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that initially examined the matter could be reconstituted to continue the investigation.

The observations came while the apex court was hearing petitions seeking a court-monitored CBI investigation and financial audits of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ayodhya Ram Temple.

Chief Justice Calls for a Fair Investigation

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, said the matter should not be used for political purposes.

The Chief Justice observed that the focus should remain on ensuring a fair investigation and allowing the legal process to reach its logical conclusion without unnecessary political controversy.

The court emphasised that justice should be guided by facts emerging from the investigation rather than public or political narratives.

Supreme Court Questions Status of SIT Investigation

During the proceedings, the court sought clarification from the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the investigation.

The bench asked whether the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which had carried out the initial inquiry, could be reconstituted with a senior officer to continue the investigation.

This suggestion came after the court was informed that the case was currently being investigated by the regular police.

UP Government Submits Status Report

Representing the Uttar Pradesh government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a detailed status report had already been submitted.

He stated that eight people have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft. However, he declined to disclose additional details, saying the investigation is still ongoing.

The court reviewed the report and indicated that it would require additional time to examine its contents before issuing further directions.

How the Investigation Progressed

According to the state government's submission, the Special Investigation Team initially verified the allegations and concluded that a cognizable offence had been committed.

Following the preliminary findings, the investigation was transferred to the police for further action.

The Supreme Court indicated that involving the SIT again could help strengthen confidence in the ongoing investigation.

Petitions Seek CBI Probe and Trust Audit

The petitions before the Supreme Court seek more than just a criminal investigation.

The petitioners have requested:

• A court-monitored CBI investigation into the alleged theft.
• Independent financial audits of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
• Greater transparency in the handling of temple donations.

The court has not yet ruled on these requests and is expected to consider them after reviewing the status report.

Background of the Alleged Theft Case

The controversy began after allegations surfaced regarding the alleged theft of donations collected at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.

Following the complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on June 25, leading to a police investigation.

Authorities have since arrested eight individuals, including Ramashankar Mishra, who reportedly served as the former driver of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Trust Officials Step Down

Following the emergence of the controversy, Champat Rai resigned from his position as the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Trustee Anil Mishra also stepped down.

The resignations came amid growing public attention on the alleged financial irregularities, although the investigation is still underway.

Next Hearing Scheduled for July 27

After reviewing the initial submissions, the Supreme Court decided to continue hearing the matter.

The bench said it would take three to four days to carefully study the status report before issuing any directions.

The next hearing has been scheduled for July 27, when the court is expected to consider the future course of the investigation and the petitions seeking additional oversight.

Final Thoughts

The Supreme Court has made it clear that the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case should be handled through a fair and impartial legal process rather than political debate. By considering the possibility of reconstituting the SIT and reviewing the government's status report in detail, the court has signalled its intent to ensure transparency and accountability. The hearing scheduled for July 27 is expected to be crucial in determining whether further investigative directions, including demands for a CBI probe or trust audit, will be considered.