Ayodhya donation theft row: SC seeks status report from SIT, response from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust

Ayodhya Donation Theft Row: Supreme Court Asks SIT for Update, Trust Responds

Ayodhya donation theft row – The Ayodhya donation theft row has intensified as the Supreme Court issued a directive to the Uttar Pradesh-established Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a detailed status report on its probe into alleged mismanagement of funds at the Ram Temple. The court also requested the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to provide its response, underscoring the urgency of resolving the dispute over donations linked to the iconic religious site. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the SIT’s investigation, which has been at the center of the Ayodhya donations row for months.

Legal Petitions and Demand for Independent Probe

Three legal petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, demanding an independent inquiry into the Ayodhya donation theft row. The first petition, filed by Narendra Kumar Goswami, calls for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take charge of the probe, citing the need for impartiality in addressing the alleged misuse of funds. Goswami also seeks a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the trust’s financial records, arguing that the current scrutiny has not yielded sufficient clarity. A second petition, submitted by Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, aligns with these demands, urging the formation of a multi-agency investigative body to ensure comprehensive oversight.

“The Ayodhya donation theft row has shaken the foundation of trust in this sacred institution. The Ram Mandir, a symbol of centuries-old devotion, is now at the heart of a financial scandal that threatens its legacy. Where is the Ram Lalla idol, the very deity that embodies the temple’s spiritual significance?”

The third petition, brought by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, emphasizes the need for a forensic audit of the temple trust’s entire financial operations. The petitioners argue that the current governance structure has failed to safeguard donations, which are crucial to the temple’s maintenance and expansion. They stress that the Ayodhya donation theft row is not just a financial issue but a matter of public faith and religious sanctity, demanding swift action from the authorities to restore credibility.

SIT Composition and Legal Mandate

The Special Investigation Team, formed on June 13, comprises Vijay Vishwas Pant, the Lucknow Divisional Commissioner; Kiran S, the Inspector General of Police; and Neel Ratan, the Special Secretary (Finance) in the Uttar Pradesh government. The SIT was established at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which has been accused of misusing funds allocated for the construction of the Ram Temple. The legal mandate of the SIT includes examining the trust’s financial dealings, tracing the flow of donations, and identifying any irregularities or discrepancies in the accounts.

Justice Surya Kant’s bench reiterated the importance of the SIT providing a clear timeline of its investigation and detailing the progress made so far. The court also emphasized the need for the SIT to explain the roles and responsibilities of its members, ensuring that the Ayodhya donation theft row is addressed with thoroughness. The trust, however, has defended its financial practices, asserting that all funds have been utilized for the temple’s development and that the dispute stems from differing interpretations of the allocation process.

Political Criticism and Public Concern

Political figures have weighed in on the Ayodhya donation theft row, with Congress leader Digvijaya Singh criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly shielding Champat Rai, the trust’s general secretary. Singh argued that Modi’s administration has a responsibility to ensure accountability in the trust’s operations, calling the donation theft a “blow” to public faith in the temple’s management. The trust has faced scrutiny over its control of the disputed site, which has been a focal point of religious and political tensions for decades.

Public concern over the Ayodhya donation theft row has grown as millions of devotees and donors await transparency in the trust’s financial dealings. The issue has sparked debates about the governance of religious institutions and the role of political leadership in ensuring their integrity. As the Supreme Court continues to monitor the situation, the SIT’s findings could determine the fate of the trust’s legitimacy and the future of the Ram Temple’s construction. The Ayodhya donation theft row remains a critical legal and social issue, with far-reaching implications for the community and the judiciary.