Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust while hearing petitions seeking a fair, transparent and time-bound investigation into the alleged theft of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan directed the Uttar Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a status report detailing the progress of the investigation.

The court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for July 20, when it will review the SIT's findings and consider the petitions.

Status Report to Be Filed in Sealed Cover

Appearing for the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the SIT's status report would be submitted in a sealed cover.

The petitions before the court seek an independent investigation into the alleged financial irregularities involving temple donations and greater transparency in the management of funds.

Petitioners Seek CBI and CAG Investigation

One of the petitions, filed by Narendra Kumar Goswami, has requested the Supreme Court to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged embezzlement.

The plea also seeks an audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's finances by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Separate petitions filed by Ajay Kumar Rai, Dinesh Kumar Yadav, and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhakar Singh have also sought a Supreme Court-monitored CBI investigation and a forensic audit of the Trust's financial records.

SIT Probe Underway

The alleged misuse of temple donations came to light in early June after irregularities were reportedly detected during the counting of offerings at the Ram Temple.

Following recommendations from the temple trust, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior administrative and police officials to investigate the matter.

According to the investigation, the SIT found prima facie evidence of embezzlement, leading to the registration of an FIR. Authorities have arrested eight individuals associated with the temple's donation-counting process.

Investigators have also examined CCTV footage, which allegedly showed repeated violations of established cash-handling procedures over a period of approximately 45 days.

Investigation Continues

The SIT has stated that it is continuing to examine financial records, surveillance footage and other evidence as part of its ongoing investigation.

The Supreme Court's latest directions are expected to ensure judicial oversight while the investigation proceeds. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for accountability and financial management in religious institutions receiving public donations.

Further developments are expected after the next hearing on July 20.