3 weeks ago
SC to consider deferring hearing on Ram Temple donation probe
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a very famous temple, and many people give money, called donations, to build and take care of it.
Some people think some of that money was stolen.
They asked the Supreme Court of India, the country's highest court, to look into it.
The court asked the police to create a special team called an SIT to investigate the missing money.
The team is led by IGP Kiran S and will include a forensic auditor, a money expert who checks financial records.
The court wants the investigation to be fair, honest, and clear.
Eight people have already been arrested in connection with the case.
Some petitioners want an even bigger probe by the CBI and an audit by the CAG of the temple trust's finances.
The hearing may be shifted to next week because the government's lawyer is at the United Nations.
The Chief Justice warned everyone not to turn the case into politics, saying it is simply about a possible crime.
The Supreme Court agreed to consider deferring the hearing on pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The Uttar Pradesh government sought the adjournment because Solicitor General Tushar Mehta is attending a function at the United Nations.
On July 27, the court took note of a four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S and directed that a forensic auditor be included in the probe team.
Petitioners, including Narendra Kumar Goswami and RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, are seeking a CBI probe and a CAG audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Chief Justice Surya Kant cautioned against politicising the issue, calling it 'a simple case of commission of crime'; eight people have been arrested in the case.
- Who
- A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana; petitioners Narendra Kumar Goswami, Ajay Kumar Rai, Dinesh Kumar Yadav and RJD MP Sudhakar Singh; and the Uttar Pradesh government.
- What
- The court agreed to consider deferring the hearing on pleas seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India; the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- The bench agreed on Monday to take the matter up next week; the SIT was set up in late July (noted on July 27).
- Why
- Petitioners allege donation funds were embezzled and seek a fair, time-bound and transparent probe; the Uttar Pradesh government sought adjournment because Solicitor General Tushar Mehta is attending a UN function.
Petitioners
Uttar Pradesh Government
Investigation agency and oversight
Petitioners
Petitioners want a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe and a CAG audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's finances, seeking deeper central oversight.
Uttar Pradesh Government
The Uttar Pradesh government has set up a four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S, with a forensic auditor added at the court's direction, and says the investigation is ongoing.
Timing of the hearing
Petitioners
Petitioners sought a fair and time-bound probe into the alleged donation theft, implying the case should proceed without delay.
Uttar Pradesh Government
The Uttar Pradesh government requested deferral of the hearing because Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appears for it, is attending a function at the United Nations.
Key facts
- Subject
- Alleged embezzlement of donations at Ram Temple, Ayodhya
- Court
- Supreme Court of India (Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana)
- Probe team
- Four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S, with a forensic auditor included
- Arrests
- Eight persons arrested
- Petitioners' demand
- CBI probe and CAG audit of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
- Deferral reason
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's UN engagement
- Key dates
- SIT set-up noted on July 27; hearing likely taken up next week
Quotes
Uttar Pradesh government counsel
Counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government
“Please don't politicise the issue. The courts are not a place for politics. It is a simple case of commission of crime.”
rediff.com
“Yes, item number 30-33...please take it up next week.”
rediff.com
Sources
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