SC Declines Urgent CBI Probe into Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Row

The Supreme Court of India on Monday, June 29, 2026, declined to grant an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-led multi-disciplinary Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged embezzlement of donation funds at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu observed that 'heavens are not going to fall' if the petition is heard after the court resumes its regular functioning following the summer break, indicating no extraordinary urgency warranting immediate intervention. The court stated that the matter would be listed for hearing in due course after the vacation. The plea, filed by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, sought the registration of an FIR and a time-bound investigation into alleged financial irregularities and other purported illegalities concerning the affairs and administration of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The petitioners expressed a lack of confidence in the ongoing probe being conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Police, alleging that crucial evidence was not being preserved properly. They argued that an independent, professional investigation by a unified agency with requisite expertise and resources was necessary to safeguard public interest and maintain the confidence of millions of devotees and donors. This development comes amidst a significant controversy surrounding the management of donations at the recently consecrated Ram Temple. The Uttar Pradesh government had already constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13, 2026, at the request of the temple trust, to look into allegations of financial irregularities and misappropriation of donations. The SIT's preliminary investigation has reportedly uncovered systematic lapses in the handling, counting, and supervision of donations. Investigators examined CCTV footage, digital records, and statements from temple staff, identifying procedural weaknesses and alleged instances of theft. It was revealed that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cash handling, such as wearing pocketless clothing, deploying security guards, frisking personnel, and preserving CCTV footage for 180 days, were not strictly followed. As part of the ongoing state-level probe, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement. These individuals were reportedly part of the team responsible for counting cash donated by devotees. Police have so far recovered approximately ₹79.85 lakh in cash from the accused. However, some reports indicate that the total missing amount could be as high as ₹7 crore to ₹7.5 crore. Interestingly, sources also claim that nearly ₹58 lakh was traced and recovered by temple authorities even before the SIT officially began its investigation. Further complicating the matter, the State Bank of India (SBI), which manages banking operations for the Ram Temple Trust, had reportedly flagged irregularities in the donation counting process and recommended the removal of certain staff members nearly three months before the alleged fraud came to light. This recommendation was allegedly not acted upon due to objections from some members of the temple trust. Police are now examining the role of two SBI employees who supervised outsourced workers engaged in counting donations. The controversy has drawn sharp political reactions. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vowed strict action against those found guilty, emphasizing his administration's zero-tolerance policy against corruption and anyone attempting to exploit public faith. He urged political parties to refrain from making baseless comments that could hurt devotees' sentiments. Meanwhile, the Ayodhya Bar Association has taken a strong stance, announcing that none of its members would represent the accused in the alleged embezzlement case, with a penalty of ₹5 lakh for any violation. Amidst these developments, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has expressed its shock and sadness over the allegations and reiterated its commitment to a fair investigation. There were also reports of resignations, including that of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, though official confirmation and details remained somewhat unclear at the time. The Supreme Court's decision to not urgently hear the matter means the focus remains, for now, on the state-level investigation, with the apex court expected to take up the PIL in due course after its summer recess.

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