Top court demands immediate answers on Ayodhya fund mismanagement

Supreme Court justices issued notices on Monday regarding alleged financial irregularities at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the Uttar Pradesh government’s Special Investigation Team to submit an updated status report. This report must detail their ongoing investigation into the missing donations and list the team members. Furthermore, justices will hear multiple petitions next week demanding a CBI inquiry monitored by the court itself.

Notices went out to the central government, the state of Uttar Pradesh, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed issuing a notice to the temple trust, but the bench decided to proceed anyway. Justices want to review the current findings before they consider granting the petitioners’ request for a central agency takeover.

Scrutiny over Sacred Funds

Devotees from across India, including thousands from Odisha, contribute significantly to these sacred funds, making financial transparency a matter of national faith. Officials stated that the Solicitor General plans to file the upcoming findings in a sealed cover. Petitioners asked for copies, which met strong opposition from the government side. Chief Justice Kant reminded the courtroom that petitioners would eventually get to see the documents under normal legal procedures. The bench also advised a loud lawyer to save his voice for outside the courtroom, adding a brief light moment to the serious proceedings.

Next Steps for Investigation

Accusations involve the misappropriation of cash and valuables given by visiting pilgrims. Uttar Pradesh established this dedicated investigative team in mid-June under Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant. After receiving preliminary findings in late June, the state granted the team another fifteen days to finish their work. Investigators will soon return to Ayodhya to examine donation records and interview trust members managing the funds. The top court scheduled the next hearing for Monday.