A bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana will hear three petitions on Monday NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will hear a batch of petitions on July 13 seeking an independent and time-bound probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.According to the Supreme Court’s website, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana will hear three petitions after the apex court reopens on Monday.The pleas seek a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged financial irregularities involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the affairs of the Ram temple.Petitioners seek CBI probe, forensic auditOne of the petitions, filed by Narendra Kumar Goswami, seeks a CBI investigation into the alleged embezzlement along with a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the Trust’s finances.Another petition filed by practising advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav has sought the constitution of a CBI-led multi-disciplinary Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged financial irregularities and other purported illegalities concerning the Trust’s administration.The petition has also sought directions to the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government and the Trust to establish regulatory, supervisory and audit mechanisms to safeguard public interest and maintain the confidence of millions of devotees and donors.”Whether or not the reports regarding missing funds and other alleged irregularities concerning the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust are ultimately found to be true, such reports have caused deep concern among the generations that struggled for the restoration of the glory of Ayodhya,” the plea stated.The petition further argued that the Uttar Pradesh government’s SIT began its inquiry without registration of an FIR or any regular criminal case, and said the allegations should be independently verified through a professional agency with expertise in complex financial investigations.A third petition, filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh, has sought a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe as well as a forensic audit of the Trust’s entire finances.Investigation underway, eight accused arrestedThe hearing comes as the investigation into the alleged embezzlement continues in Uttar Pradesh.On July 7, an Ayodhya court granted one-day police custody of three of the eight accused arrested in the case — Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey. Earlier, on June 29, a local court had sent all eight accused to 14 days of judicial custody.The Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a three-member SIT on June 13 following a request from the temple trust after allegations of misappropriation of donations surfaced.The SIT comprises Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, inspector general of police Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan.The SIT’s preliminary probe has pointed to serious security lapses in the temple’s counting room and suggested that the alleged theft was “systematic” and repeated rather than isolated.The investigation reportedly found around 70 suspicious incidents between April 27 and June 5 after reviewing CCTV footage, in which counting staff were allegedly seen concealing bundles of cash in their clothes, pockets, shoes and other personal belongings.The preliminary findings also highlighted weaknesses in security arrangements, including the absence of frisking of staff at entry and exit points of the counting hall and inadequate monitoring of personal belongings.Temple trust member backs investigationAmid the ongoing controversy, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj expressed confidence in the investigation and dismissed reports suggesting that the VIP darshan pass IDs of senior Trust functionaries had been blocked.”There is no issue as of now. This is still in place. I have no details otherwise; the existing system still continues,” he told news agency ANI while confirming that passes continue to be issued using trust general secretary Champat Rai’s ID.On the investigation, he said, “We have faith in Ram Lalla, and the chief minister and the administration are fully aware and involved. We have full faith in the police; they are performing their duty. They will catch the thieves in every way and will also punish them.”The alleged embezzlement has triggered a political controversy in Uttar Pradesh, with opposition parties demanding accountability while chief minister Yogi Adityanath has assured strict action against anyone found guilty of misappropriating donations meant for the temple.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUP Government Transfers 20 IAS Officers In Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Across DepartmentsDefence, Energy, Education: 18 Big Outcomes Of PM Modi’s Australia VisitGurugram Gunfight Leaves Four Gang Members Dead After Massive Exchange Of Fire With PoliceCalcutta HC Allows TMC To Operate Frozen Accounts, Questions Police’s Swift Action3 Ex-TMC MPs Join BJP, Get Rajya Sabha Tickets Within Hours | West Bengal | Mamata BanerjeePM Modi Praises Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban, Says ‘India Learning From It’Flood Fury Disrupts Cities Nationwide, IMD Issues Red Alerts Amid Relentless RainfallAustralia To Return Three Historic Indian Artefacts During PM Modi’s VisitTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing123PhotostoriesHow to differentiate between hand-embroidered and machine-made Chikankari7 Birds that can sleep while flying: Nature’s most remarkable aerial survivorsNo junk food, no phones, no excuses: 7 strict parenting rules Cristiano Ronaldo follows that every Indian parent should knowPM Modi says, “The milk at home might be Australian, but the tea brewed is Indian”: 8 government-approved Indian tea varieties to tryDiscover Your Ideal Healing Practice Based on Your Birth DatePsychology explains why chai and pakoras feel irresistible during the monsoonWhat would you do? I look younger than my age and nobody takes me seriously; 5 women share what they did next7 Natural floor cleaners that may help keep flies, ants and monsoon pests away60-second money lesson: The expensive habit of women buying clothes for one occasion (and how to fix it)Don’t dismiss it as ‘just a migraine’: Doctor explains the brain aneurysm warning signs that could save your life123Hot PicksSIRGold Rate TodayGurgaon EncounterCM VijayWeather TodayBengal Girl Sexual AbuseGable StevesonStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will hear a batch of petitions on July 13 seeking an independent and time-bound probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.According to the Supreme Court’s website, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana will hear three petitions after the apex court reopens on Monday.The pleas seek a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged financial irregularities involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the affairs of the Ram temple.
Petitioners seek CBI probe , forensic audit
One of the petitions, filed by Narendra Kumar Goswami, seeks a CBI investigation into the alleged embezzlement along with a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the Trust’s finances.Another petition filed by practising advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav has sought the constitution of a CBI-led multi-disciplinary Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged financial irregularities and other purported illegalities concerning the Trust’s administration.The petition has also sought directions to the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government and the Trust to establish regulatory, supervisory and audit mechanisms to safeguard public interest and maintain the confidence of millions of devotees and donors.“Whether or not the reports regarding missing funds and other alleged irregularities concerning the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust are ultimately found to be true, such reports have caused deep concern among the generations that struggled for the restoration of the glory of Ayodhya,” the plea stated.The petition further argued that the Uttar Pradesh government’s SIT began its inquiry without registration of an FIR or any regular criminal case, and said the allegations should be independently verified through a professional agency with expertise in complex financial investigations.A third petition, filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh, has sought a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe as well as a forensic audit of the Trust’s entire finances.
Investigation underway, eight accused arrested
The hearing comes as the investigation into the alleged embezzlement continues in Uttar Pradesh.On July 7, an Ayodhya court granted one-day police custody of three of the eight accused arrested in the case — Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey. Earlier, on June 29, a local court had sent all eight accused to 14 days of judicial custody.The Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a three-member SIT on June 13 following a request from the temple trust after allegations of misappropriation of donations surfaced.The SIT comprises Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, inspector general of police Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan.The SIT’s preliminary probe has pointed to serious security lapses in the temple’s counting room and suggested that the alleged theft was “systematic” and repeated rather than isolated.The investigation reportedly found around 70 suspicious incidents between April 27 and June 5 after reviewing CCTV footage, in which counting staff were allegedly seen concealing bundles of cash in their clothes, pockets, shoes and other personal belongings.The preliminary findings also highlighted weaknesses in security arrangements, including the absence of frisking of staff at entry and exit points of the counting hall and inadequate monitoring of personal belongings.
Temple trust member backs investigation
Amid the ongoing controversy, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj expressed confidence in the investigation and dismissed reports suggesting that the VIP darshan pass IDs of senior Trust functionaries had been blocked.“There is no issue as of now. This is still in place. I have no details otherwise; the existing system still continues,” he told news agency ANI while confirming that passes continue to be issued using trust general secretary Champat Rai’s ID.On the investigation, he said, “We have faith in Ram Lalla, and the chief minister and the administration are fully aware and involved. We have full faith in the police; they are performing their duty. They will catch the thieves in every way and will also punish them.”The alleged embezzlement has triggered a political controversy in Uttar Pradesh, with opposition parties demanding accountability while chief minister Yogi Adityanath has assured strict action against anyone found guilty of misappropriating donations meant for the temple.
