New Delhi, July 14 : The Supreme Court on Monday intensified judicial oversight over the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple by directing the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Government to submit a comprehensive status report on the progress of its inquiry.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan passed the order while hearing a batch of petitions seeking an independent and transparent investigation into allegations concerning the handling of donations made by devotees at the Ram Temple.
Along with directing the SIT to place its findings before the Court, the Bench also issued notices to the Central Government, the Uttar Pradesh Government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, the body responsible for administering the temple and managing its financial affairs.
Court Seeks Detailed Investigation Update
The Supreme Court instructed the SIT to furnish a report outlining the progress made in the investigation and provide complete details regarding the composition of the investigation team.
The Bench observed that since an FIR had already been registered and a Special Investigation Team had been constituted by the state authorities, the Court considered it appropriate to monitor the ongoing investigation by seeking regular updates.
The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing on July 20, 2026, when the Court is expected to review the status report submitted by the investigating agency.
Government Seeks Confidential Submission
Appearing on behalf of both the Central Government and the Uttar Pradesh Government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that the investigation remained at a sensitive stage. He requested permission to submit the SIT’s findings in a sealed cover, arguing that public disclosure at this stage could adversely affect the investigation.
The Solicitor General also urged the Bench not to issue notices to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust until the investigation progressed further.
However, the Bench declined to accept this request and decided that the Trust should also respond to the allegations before the Court.
Petitioners Seek Independent Probe
The proceedings arose from three separate petitions, each raising concerns over the alleged diversion or misuse of donations collected from devotees visiting the Ram Temple.
The first petition, filed by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, seeks registration of a regular criminal case followed by a time-bound investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The petitioners contend that the SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Government lacks the legal authority and specialised expertise required to investigate complex allegations involving financial transactions and public trust funds. They have also requested preservation of all financial records, electronic data and documentary evidence to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
RJD MP Requests Court-Monitored CBI Inquiry
A separate petition filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Sudhakar Singh also seeks transfer of the investigation to the CBI under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.
Besides requesting an independent investigation, the petition proposes the formation of a temporary court-monitored oversight committee to supervise the Trust’s financial administration during the pendency of the inquiry.
The plea further calls for periodic publication of audited financial statements, donation receipts and expenditure records while ensuring that the privacy of individual donors remains protected.
Concern Over Preservation of Digital Evidence
During the hearing, another petitioner highlighted concerns regarding electronic evidence linked to the alleged financial transactions.
The petitioner argued that digital records could be vulnerable to alteration or deletion if immediate preservation measures were not ordered by the Court. Accordingly, a request was made for urgent directions to secure electronic evidence pending completion of the investigation.
Court Declines Immediate Disclosure
One of the petitioners also requested that the SIT’s status report be shared with all parties involved in the litigation.
Opposing the plea, the Solicitor General submitted that disclosure of the report at the present stage could hamper the ongoing investigation.
Responding to the submissions, Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the Court would decide the issue at a later stage after examining the progress of the investigation, indicating that procedural safeguards would be balanced against investigative requirements.
Wider Significance
The case has attracted nationwide attention because the Ayodhya Ram Temple receives donations from millions of devotees across India and abroad. The allegations have raised broader questions regarding financial accountability, transparency in religious institutions and mechanisms for safeguarding public contributions.
While no findings have yet been recorded regarding the allegations, the Supreme Court’s decision to seek a formal status report reflects its intention to closely monitor the investigation without interfering in the investigative process.
The Court is expected to consider the SIT’s report during the next hearing on July 20, when it may issue further directions depending on the progress achieved in the inquiry.
The proceedings are likely to play an important role in determining whether the ongoing state investigation continues or whether the Court considers transferring the matter to another investigative agency, as sought by several petitioners.