New Delhi, July 21: The Supreme Court on Monday advised that allegations relating to the misuse of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir should not be politicised, observing that the matter concerns a criminal investigation and must be handled impartially.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan heard petitions seeking a CBI probe into the alleged misuse of temple donations and an audit of financial transactions related to the shrine.
During the hearing, the Bench observed that the issue should not be converted into a political controversy and indicated that appropriate directions would be issued after examining the status report submitted by the Uttar Pradesh government.
The court said it would not pass any order on the demand for a CBI investigation until it had reviewed the government’s report.
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a Special Cell of the Uttar Pradesh Police is conducting the investigation. He said eight people have been arrested so far and that the probe has uncovered evidence indicating alleged misuse of funds. He added that investigators have collected digital evidence, including CCTV footage.
The Bench reiterated that the investigation must be conducted fairly and without prejudice.
Counsel for the petitioners also urged the court to direct authorities to publish online details of donations, including gold, silver and jewellery offered by devotees, alleging that several valuables had gone missing.
The Supreme Court, however, observed that placing such details in the public domain could lead to the circulation of false or misleading claims regarding donations. Instead, it stressed that authorities should maintain complete records and receipts of all donations with proper documentation.
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