Supreme Court seeks SIT report on alleged misappropriation of Ram Mandir donations

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on petitions seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan also directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report on the probe. The Court further asked the SIT to disclose its composition.

"We direct the SIT constituted by the State of Uttar Pradesh to submit a status report. Post this matter for further consideration next Monday. Please also mention the composition of the SIT in the status report," the bench said.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, urged the Court not to issue notices, arguing that an SIT had already been constituted and was conducting an investigation.

"A notice may not be necessary," Mehta said.

The Court, however, clarified that it was not examining the merits of the allegations at this stage and only wanted to be informed about the progress of the investigation.

When the petitioners' counsel argued that more than 17 days had passed since the SIT was constituted without any visible progress, the bench declined to entertain the submission.

"Save your energy because you are required to use it outside also. You don't want us to pass an order?" the Court remarked.

The bench then proceeded to issue notices and directed the SIT to file its status report along with details of its composition.

The petitions seek an independent investigation into allegations that donations made by devotees at the Ram Mandir were siphoned off by staff responsible for counting cash offerings.

According to the petitions, the SIT's preliminary findings point to serious security lapses in the temple's counting room. CCTV footage reviewed between April 27 and June 5 allegedly captured nearly 70 suspicious incidents in which members of the counting staff were seen concealing bundles of cash in their clothes, pockets, shoes and other personal belongings.

The preliminary probe reportedly suggests that the alleged thefts were systematic and repeated rather than isolated incidents.

The report also highlighted security deficiencies, including the absence of frisking of staff at entry and exit points of the counting hall and inadequate checks on personal belongings carried into and out of the premises.

The allegations have sparked political reactions, with Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, demanding accountability.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of misappropriating donations made by devotees to the temple.

(With ANI inputs)