India's Supreme Court hears petitions on Ram Temple donation theft

On July 13, the Supreme Court of India heard a batch of public interest litigations demanding a court‑monitored probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The three‑judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, issued a notice to the Trust and directed the Uttar Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a sealed status report on its inquiry. Petitioners, including the Hindu Dharmaparishad, lawyer Narendra Kumar Goswami and RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, have asked that the investigation be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and that a forensic audit and CAG audit be carried out.

The controversy stems from reports that cash and valuable items collected as offerings have been repeatedly misappropriated – investigators say at least 70 thefts occurred over 40 days, with staff hiding bundles in clothing and personal belongings. Eight persons have been arrested, and the Trust’s former general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have resigned. A committee is also finalising criteria to appoint the Trust’s first chief executive officer, aiming to professionalise management and restore donor confidence.