The Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case took a significant turn on Tuesday after the Supreme Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to include a forensic auditor in the Special Investigating Team (SIT) probing allegations of embezzlement of donations received by the Ram Temple Trust. The move is aimed at strengthening the financial investigation and ensuring greater transparency in the ongoing probe.
The apex court was informed that the Uttar Pradesh government has already constituted a four-member SIT, headed by Inspector General of Police (Lucknow Range) Kiran S, to investigate the allegations. The Bench directed that a forensic auditor be added as the fifth member of the team and asked the SIT to submit its first status report within two weeks.
Supreme Court Seeks Stronger Financial Investigation
A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, took note of the Uttar Pradesh government’s submission that the SIT was constituted through a notification issued on July 25, following the court’s earlier observations.
Appearing for the state government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the SIT includes senior police officers, comprising an Inspector General of Police, a Deputy Inspector General, a Senior Superintendent of Police and an Additional Superintendent of Police.
After hearing the submissions, the court directed the inclusion of a forensic auditor to assist in examining financial records and tracking the alleged diversion or misuse of donations received by the Ram Temple Trust.
Petitions Seek CBI Probe and Audit of Trust Finances
The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged embezzlement of donations made by devotees to the Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust. The petitioners have also sought an independent audit of the Trust’s financial transactions to ensure complete accountability.
The Bench, however, did not pass any order transferring the investigation to the CBI at this stage. Instead, it decided to monitor the progress of the state-level investigation by directing the SIT to submit a status report within a fortnight.
The court clarified that the interim directions are intended to ensure a fair and comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
Forensic Auditor to Strengthen Probe
The inclusion of a forensic auditor is expected to enhance the credibility of the investigation by enabling a detailed examination of financial records, bank transactions, accounting practices and the movement of donation funds.
Legal experts note that forensic audits are commonly used in financial fraud investigations to identify irregular transactions, trace money trails and determine whether funds have been diverted or misappropriated.
The Supreme Court’s direction reflects its emphasis on ensuring that the financial aspects of the Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case receive specialised scrutiny alongside the criminal investigation.
Court Earlier Warned Against Politicising the Issue
During the previous hearing, the Supreme Court had observed that the Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case should not be politicised and stressed that the allegations should be investigated strictly in accordance with the law.
At that hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had informed the Bench that the Uttar Pradesh Police were already investigating the matter. Acting on the court’s observations, the state government subsequently constituted the SIT to conduct a comprehensive probe.
The allegations relate to the alleged embezzlement of donations received from devotees for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, one of India’s most significant religious projects. The case has attracted widespread public attention because of the temple’s religious, cultural and national importance.
SIT to Submit Report in Two Weeks
The newly constituted SIT will now begin its detailed investigation with the assistance of the forensic auditor once appointed. The team is expected to examine financial documents, donation records, banking transactions and other evidence to determine whether any irregularities occurred.
The Supreme Court has directed the SIT to place its first status report within two weeks, after which the court will review the progress of the investigation and consider further directions if required.
Case to Remain Under Supreme Court’s Watch
With the appointment of a specialised investigation team and the addition of a forensic auditor, the Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case has entered a crucial phase. The Supreme Court’s continued monitoring is expected to ensure that the investigation proceeds independently and transparently while addressing concerns raised in the petitions.
The findings of the SIT’s first report could play an important role in determining the future course of the case, including whether any additional investigative measures or legal action become necessary.
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