The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to submit a status report on the progress of its investigation. The Court also stressed that the probe should be pursued diligently and brought to its logical conclusion.
The matter relates to allegations of misappropriation of donations received for the Ram Temple project and the demand for a fair, transparent and time-bound investigation. The Supreme Court has been monitoring developments in the case and has taken several steps to ensure that the investigation is conducted properly.
On July 27, the Court took note of the constitution of a four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S. to investigate the alleged embezzlement. The Court had also asked the Uttar Pradesh government to include a forensic auditor in the investigation team so that the financial aspects of the allegations could be examined effectively. The bench observed that appropriate remedial measures would have to be taken to ensure transparency and directed the SIT to submit its status report within two weeks.
Earlier, on July 20, the Supreme Court had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to take steps regarding the constitution of an SIT after concerns were raised over the investigation. Before that, on July 13, the Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh Police to submit a status report and had issued notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on petitions seeking an independent and time-bound probe into the alleged donation theft.
The latest direction reflects the Court’s continued oversight of the investigation and its emphasis on transparency and accountability in the handling of donations.
