The alleged donation irregularities at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya escalate to the Supreme Court as Uttar Pradesh orders a Special Investigation Team probe
The controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in donations to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has reached the Supreme Court, with a plea seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member SIT to examine financial management and donation-related allegations, even as political leaders exchange sharp accusations over the issue.
New Delhi: The controversy over alleged irregularities in donations to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has now reached the Supreme Court, marking a significant legal and political development in a case that has triggered intense debate across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
A petition filed before the Supreme Court seeks suo motu cognisance of the allegations, urging the court to order an independent investigation under judicial supervision, including the registration of an FIR and a court-monitored probe to ensure transparency and public confidence in the handling of temple funds.
Supreme Court Sees Plea for Independent Ram Temple Probe
The matter was mentioned before the Chief Justice of India, where a lawyer requested urgent hearing on alleged financial irregularities linked to donations made at the Ram Temple.
However, the Chief Justice of India advised that oral mentions should be avoided in court proceedings and directed that written submissions be filed for consideration. The court also indicated that cases related to personal liberty, bail matters, and urgent issues would be listed as per procedure.
The petition argues that allegations surrounding donation handling must be examined impartially to maintain public trust in one of the country’s most significant religious institutions.
Uttar Pradesh Government Forms SIT for Ram Temple Donation Probe
In a parallel development, the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations related to the financial management and donation processes of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The three-member SIT has been tasked with examining complaints regarding donation boxes and alleged financial irregularities at the pilgrimage site. The team will submit its findings to the state government after completing its investigation.
The SIT includes senior officials:
- Vijay Vishwas Pant, Lucknow Divisional Commissioner (IAS)
- Kiran S., Inspector General of Police (IPS)
- Neel Ratan, Special Secretary, Finance Department
Officials said the decision followed concerns raised over social media claims and a request from the trust seeking an impartial inquiry into the matter.
"The SIT has been formed to ensure an independent and transparent investigation into allegations related to donation management at the temple."
Political Clash Over Ram Temple Donation Allegations
The issue has also triggered a sharp political confrontation in Uttar Pradesh.
Samajwadi Party chief and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has repeatedly alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram Temple, raising the matter on social media and calling for a serious investigation into claims of mismanagement.
He stated that any allegations involving donations offered for religious purposes should be taken seriously and examined transparently.
However, the ruling party has strongly rejected these claims. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak criticised Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of spreading misinformation and attempting to create confusion around the Ram Temple issue.
"Such statements are an attempt to mislead the public and spread baseless rumours about a sacred institution."
The political exchange has intensified the debate, with both sides maintaining sharply contrasting positions on the issue.
Ram Temple Construction Committee Clarifies Role
Amid the ongoing controversy, Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra clarified his position, stating that his responsibility is limited strictly to overseeing construction activities at the site.
He categorically declined to comment on allegations related to financial irregularities or donation management, stating that such matters fall outside his mandate.
Mishra added that his focus remains on reviewing ongoing construction projects and ensuring timely completion of infrastructure work at the temple complex.
"My role is only related to construction work. I have no involvement in financial or donation-related matters."
Growing Scrutiny Over Donation Management
The allegations and subsequent legal developments have placed renewed scrutiny on the management of donations at the Ram Temple, one of India’s most high-profile religious projects.
While the Uttar Pradesh government has moved to initiate an internal investigation through the SIT, the matter is simultaneously being pursued in the Supreme Court through demands for an independent judicial probe.
The contrasting legal and administrative processes highlight the sensitivity surrounding financial transparency in major religious institutions and the broader public interest attached to the Ayodhya temple project.
Next Steps in Legal and Administrative Probe
With both judicial and state-level inquiries now underway, the case is expected to see further developments in the coming weeks.
The Supreme Court is likely to consider written submissions before deciding whether to intervene directly, while the SIT will begin its field investigation into the financial records and donation systems associated with the temple trust.
