A new petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court of India, calling for a court-monitored investigation into alleged financial discrepancies involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The petition requests the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to examine claims regarding missing funds and alleged mismanagement of the Trust’s finances.

Details of the Petition

The legal representatives, advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, have urged authorities to preserve all relevant records, both physical and digital. This includes donation registers, audit reports, CCTV footage, and banking documents pertaining to the Trust’s financial activities. The petition emphasises the necessity of safeguarding these materials, as they are critical to understanding the Trust’s financial dealings.

The petitioners are also seeking orders to prevent the Trust and the Uttar Pradesh government from altering or disposing of any financial records or assets connected to the case. Furthermore, it demands the establishment of robust regulatory mechanisms to ensure transparency and uphold the trust of the millions who have contributed to the project aimed at constructing the Bhagwan Shri Ram Temple at Janmbhoomi.

A significant point made in the petition is that the handling of opaque funds by an institution with fiduciary responsibilities could undermine the faith of devotees and the public in general. It reflects the petitioners’ concern over the Trust’s accountability and its impact on millions who have donated for the temple’s construction.

Concerns Over Current Investigations

The petition articulates scepticism about the effectiveness of the SIT set up by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe allegations of financial misconduct. It suggests that the team’s mandate and powers may be insufficient to comprehensively address the complex nature of the claims. The petition notes that the inquiry has begun without a formal FIR or conventional criminal case, raising questions about the admissibility of evidence gathered thus far.

There is also concern that any evidence collected during this early inquiry may not withstand challenges in future legal proceedings. The petition underscores the importance of a timely and structured investigation to preserve evidence and prevent tampering, which could impair the possibility of subsequent prosecutions.

In light of these issues, the petitioners have called for the Supreme Court’s intervention. They argue that the court’s involvement is essential to uphold institutional integrity and public trust in the administration and management of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Call for Independent Inquiry

The petition urges that the clarity of the ongoing SIT investigation should be improved, as its initial phases are crucial for gathering evidence. It posits that any delays could compromise material evidence and obstruct effective investigative efforts. Hence, an independent inquiry is considered necessary to ascertain the truth, ensuring accountability should any misconduct be proven.

Previously, concerns had been raised through a letter petition addressing the Supreme Court regarding alleged irregularities in handling donations made by pilgrims at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. These issues of misappropriation and financial irregularities highlight the need for a more rigorous audit and investigation into the Trust’s operations.

The Supreme Court has yet to respond to this latest petition. The developments surrounding the Trust’s finances could have significant implications for the temple construction project, which holds immense cultural importance for many devotees across the country.

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