Archive · 21 Jul 2026
SC Cautions Against Politicising Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case
The Supreme Court of India is looking into a case about money that was supposed to be used to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya but might have been stolen.
The Court wants to make sure the investigation is fair and not turned into a political issue.
They are talking about whether a special team of senior officers should be in charge of the investigation.
Some people who filed complaints want the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to handle the case because they think the current team doesn't have the right tools.
The Court has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to clarify if they can form this special team.
They also talked about keeping records of donations and making sure all evidence is preserved.
The next hearing is on July 27, 2026.
The Supreme Court cautioned against politicising the alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Mandir construction.
The Court is considering whether a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior officers should investigate the case.
Eight people have been arrested so far, but further details are not disclosed as the investigation is ongoing.
Petitioners have sought a CBI probe, citing the need for specialised forensic and investigative infrastructure.
The Court agreed to preserve donation records but did not favour making all donation details publicly available.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Uttar Pradesh government, various petitioners
- What
- Hearing on the alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Mandir construction
- When
- July 20, 2026, with the next hearing on July 27, 2026
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations
Petitioners
Uttar Pradesh Government
Investigation Team
Petitioners
Petitioners seek a CBI-led multi-disciplinary SIT for a fair and impartial investigation.
Uttar Pradesh Government
The Uttar Pradesh government supports the current investigation by the local police, supervised by the superintendent of police.
Public Disclosure of Donation Records
Petitioners
Petitioners want all donation receipts and records to be publicly disclosed to ensure transparency.
Uttar Pradesh Government
The Court and the government are cautious about public disclosure, fearing false claims and potential misuse of the process.
- Date
- July 20, 2026
- Location
- New Delhi
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Chief Justice
- Surya Kant
- Petitioners
- Ajay Kumar Rai, Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Sudhakar Singh, Narendra Kumar Goswami, Hindu Dharma Parishad, Nirmohi Akhara
- Arrests Made
- 8
- Next Hearing
- July 27, 2026
- SIT Members
- Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, special secretary (finance) Neel Ratan
Sources
Supreme Court Cautions Against Politicising Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case, Weighs SIT-Led Probe
‘Don’t play politics’: Supreme Court on Ram Temple donation theft case
'Don't politicise': SC seeks UP stand on SIT probe into Ram Temple theft
"Don't play politics," Says SC Amid Ram Temple Donation Probe
SC Suggests SIT Probe To UP, Opposes Politicising Ayodhya Donation Row
