Supreme Court issues notice to Ram Temple trust in theft case
In the Ram Temple donation theft case, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, seeking a status report within a week. The court stated that it understands the investigation is ongoing. The court has also requested a status report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. Additionally, the court clarified that the petitioners will not receive a copy of the status report at this time. The report will be submitted in a sealed cover. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for July 20.
It is noteworthy that the Hindu Dharmaparishad has also approached the Supreme Court in this matter, demanding that the investigation into the donation theft be conducted under the court's supervision. The bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant began hearing a total of four petitions on Monday. Two separate petitions in this case have requested a CBI investigation. Another petition seeks an investigation by the CBI's Special Investigation Team (SIT), preservation of evidence, and a forensic audit of the temple trust's financial transactions.
The petitioner demanded an impartial investigation
The petitioners argue that an investigation under the Supreme Court's supervision is necessary to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry. These petitions include a writ petition filed by advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami, a criminal writ petition by Ajay Kumar Rai against the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Trust and others, and a petition by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh. Previously, the Supreme Court had refused immediate hearing in this matter. Subsequently, the petitioners insisted on listing the case urgently, citing the seriousness of the allegations. Following this, the bench headed by Justice Sundresh directed that the case be listed after the summer vacation when the court reopens.
Offerings at public temples are sacred trust property
Advocate Narendra Goswami filed a petition seeking the preservation of records and evidence related to donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and greater transparency in the management of temple offerings. The petition states that offerings at public temples are sacred trust property, vested in the deity as a legal entity. Those managing such offerings are trustees bound by duties of transparency, accountability, and preservation. The petition demands the immediate preservation of all records, CCTV footage, and digital logs related to donations or offerings. Additionally, it calls for a sealed report of the SIT investigation and an independent forensic audit of the donations and valuable items received so far. The appeal to the court is to issue orders for constitutional arrangements and security measures to handle donations and offerings received by temples of national importance transparently.