New Delhi: The Supreme Court will resume hearing on Monday a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into alleged financial irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
According to the apex court’s cause list, the matter will be heard by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan.
The petitions have been filed by advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami, petitioner-in-person Ajay Kumar Rai, RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, and the Hindu Dharma Parishad.
UP Government Likely to Clarify Stand on SIT Reconstitution
During the previous hearing on July 20, the Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to consider reconstituting the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged irregularities.
The Bench observed that the investigation should be led by a senior IPS officer and taken to its “logical conclusion”, while emphasising that the inquiry must remain fair and free from political influence.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, had informed the court that a status report had been submitted in a sealed cover. He said the investigation was ongoing and that eight persons had been arrested, but declined to disclose further details as the probe was still in progress.
Petitioners Seek Transparency and Court-Monitored Probe
The Supreme Court was also informed that the earlier SIT had only verified the allegations, while the criminal investigation was being conducted by the police under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police.
The court suggested that the investigation be entrusted to a reconstituted SIT headed by the senior IPS officer already familiar with the case.
Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for one of the petitioners, urged the court to direct preservation of all records related to temple donations and sought greater transparency by making donation records available to contributors.
The Solicitor General assured the Bench that all relevant records, including CCTV footage and digital evidence, were being preserved.
Petitions Seek CBI Probe and Forensic Audit
The petitions seek a court-monitored investigation into the alleged financial irregularities involving donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami has sought preservation of donation records and greater transparency in the administration of temple offerings.
In a separate plea, RJD MP Sudhakar Singh has sought transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the Supreme Court’s supervision. His petition also seeks a forensic audit, preservation of financial records, publication of audited financial statements and donation logs, and the appointment of a temporary court-monitored oversight committee.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s response on the proposed SIT reconstitution is expected to be a key focus when the matter comes up for hearing on Monday.