The Supreme Court on Monday proposed forming a Special Investigation Team of senior police officers to examine alleged misuse of Ram Temple donations. It also warned petitioners not to politicise what it described as a straightforward criminal matter.
Petitioners had sought a CBI investigation and full disclosure of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s finances, including foreign contributions.
During the hearing before a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, the Solicitor General informed the court that a status report had been submitted. Eight people have been arrested so far, though further details were not disclosed as the probe remains active.
The Chief Justice asked about the role of the SIT mentioned in the report. The Solicitor General clarified that state police are handling the investigation under SIT supervision. The bench suggested reconstituting the SIT to lead the probe directly, and the state agreed to consult its police chief.
The Chief Justice cautioned petitioners against turning the matter political, stressing it was simply a case of alleged offence.
Senior counsel for a Rashtriya Janata Dal MP urged the court to order the trust to publish donation records and maintain an inventory of offerings. The bench acknowledged the need for proper accounting of valuables while noting practical concerns.
The case was listed for further hearing on July 27.
