New Delhi, July 13: The Supreme Court has sought a status report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe allegations of financial irregularities involving donations made to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant directed the SIT to submit details of the investigation and scheduled the next hearing for next week.
The apex court issued notices to:
- Central Government
- Uttar Pradesh Government
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
The petitions before the court seek a court-monitored investigation and the transfer of the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The Bench directed the Uttar Pradesh government’s SIT to submit a comprehensive status report, including:
- Composition of the investigation team
- Progress made in the probe
- Steps taken so far in the investigation
During the hearing, the Solicitor General informed the court that the SIT report would be submitted in a sealed cover. When the petitioners sought access to the report, the CJI remarked that legal procedure would be followed regarding its disclosure.
The controversy arose after allegations surfaced regarding the alleged misappropriation of cash and valuables donated by devotees to the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
On June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant to investigate the matter. The SIT has already submitted a preliminary report, and on July 1, the state government extended the investigation period by another 15 days.
According to official sources, the SIT is expected to revisit Ayodhya to examine the temple’s donation management system, financial records and related procedures. The team may also question officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and others associated with the administration of temple funds.
The Supreme Court observed that the matter is presently under investigation and said it would consider requests for further relief, including a CBI probe, only after reviewing the SIT’s progress report.
The matter has been listed for its next hearing next Monday.
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