New Delhi, June 29: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to grant an urgent hearing to a petition seeking an independent and time-bound investigation into allegations of financial irregularities involving donations received by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
A vacation bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu observed that there was no immediate urgency requiring the matter to be taken up during the court’s vacation. The bench indicated that the petition would be listed for hearing after the conclusion of the summer break.
While refusing the request for urgent listing, the judges orally remarked that the situation did not warrant immediate judicial intervention, adding that there was no reason to believe any irreversible consequences would arise before the matter could be heard in the normal course.
The petition has been filed by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, who have sought directions for a comprehensive investigation by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-led Special Investigation Team (SIT). The petitioners have alleged large-scale financial irregularities and administrative lapses concerning the management of donations collected by the temple trust.
Apart from seeking registration of a First Information Report (FIR), the petition requests the Supreme Court to direct the Central Government, the Uttar Pradesh Government and the temple trust to establish a transparent regulatory, supervisory and audit framework to ensure proper management of public donations.
According to the plea, the controversy has generated concern among devotees across the country who have contributed generously towards the construction and maintenance of the Ram Temple. The petition argues that regardless of whether the allegations are ultimately substantiated, an impartial investigation is necessary to restore public confidence and uphold transparency in the administration of the trust.
The petition further states that reports relating to alleged missing funds and other financial discrepancies require verification through an independent agency possessing expertise in handling complex financial and criminal investigations. It contends that such an investigation would carry greater credibility than an inquiry conducted solely by administrative officials.
The petitioners have also questioned the functioning of the Special Investigation Team constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Government earlier this month. According to the plea, the SIT commenced its inquiry without the registration of an FIR or a formal criminal case, raising concerns about the scope and legal basis of the investigation.
The plea argues that the issues extend beyond financial accountability and have a direct bearing on the faith of millions of devotees who regard the Ram Temple as one of the country’s most significant religious institutions. It emphasises that ensuring transparency in the handling of public donations is essential to maintaining the trust of contributors and preserving the institution’s credibility.
Earlier, on June 13, the Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team following a request from the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust after allegations regarding possible misappropriation of donations surfaced in public discourse. The committee includes Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.
The state-appointed SIT has been tasked with examining the allegations and submitting its findings to the government. However, the petitioners maintain that a multidisciplinary agency headed by the CBI would be better equipped to investigate financial transactions, verify records and determine whether any criminal offences have been committed.
Legal observers note that the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant an urgent hearing does not amount to dismissal of the petition. The matter will now be considered after the court resumes its regular functioning, when the bench will examine the legal issues raised by the petitioners in greater detail.
The case has drawn attention due to the religious and public significance of the Ram Temple, one of India’s most prominent places of worship. The outcome of the proceedings is expected to shape future discussions on accountability, financial transparency and governance standards for public religious trusts that receive substantial donations from devotees across the country.