Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Congress Slams Delay in Ram Temple Donation Theft Chargesheet
Congress says the investigation into alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is taking too long.
It says this delay could help some accused people get bail.
Investigators reportedly found 105 possible theft incidents on temple CCTV footage.
An earlier investigation had counted 70 incidents.
The investigating team told the Supreme Court that it would file its first chargesheet by September 25.
This date is important because a 90-day legal period is ending.
If the chargesheet is not filed in time, the accused may ask for default bail.
Congress wants the entire donation system checked by forensic experts.
It also wants strict action and a transparent investigation.
Congress questioned why the chargesheet in the alleged Ayodhya temple donation theft case had not been filed.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that the first chargesheet would be filed by September 25.
Forensic examination of CCTV footage reportedly identified 105 alleged donation-theft incidents, compared with 70 in an earlier probe.
Congress alleged that influential suspects were being protected and demanded a forensic audit, strict action, and transparency.
The 90-day statutory deadline matters because accused people could seek default bail if the chargesheet is delayed.
- Who
- Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, the court-appointed Special Investigation Team, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, petitioners including RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, and the Supreme Court of India are involved.
- What
- The dispute concerns alleged embezzlement and theft of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and delays in filing the chargesheet.
- When
- Congress made the remarks on September 22, after the Supreme Court was told that the chargesheet would be filed by September 25.
- Where
- The alleged incidents occurred at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, while the investigation was discussed before the Supreme Court of India.
- Why
- The chargesheet deadline is linked to the 90-day statutory period after the first arrest and the accused's possible right to seek default bail.
Congress's allegations and demands
Investigation and court process
Reason for the delay
Congress's allegations and demands
Congress alleged that the delay could be intended to protect influential suspects or the alleged masterminds, and questioned the accountability of the Prime Minister and temple trust.
Investigation and court process
The Solicitor General said the SIT had to file the chargesheet by September 25 because the statutory 90-day period from the first arrest was ending.
Scope of the investigation
Congress's allegations and demands
Congress said the increase from 70 to 105 reported CCTV incidents justified a forensic audit of the entire donation system.
Investigation and court process
The court had received a detailed sealed-cover status report and was told that the SIT would file its first chargesheet by the deadline.
Accountability and oversight
Congress's allegations and demands
Congress demanded strict action against those responsible, questioned why alleged major offenders had not been questioned, and sought greater transparency.
Investigation and court process
The Supreme Court had directed the SIT to investigate expeditiously and take the matter to a logical conclusion; the reports do not state that the court accepted Congress's allegations.
- Reported CCTV incidents
- Forensic examination reportedly identified 105 alleged donation-theft incidents.
- Earlier count
- A preliminary probe had reported 70 incidents.
- Chargesheet deadline
- The first chargesheet was expected on or before September 25.
- Legal provision
- Section 167(2) of the CrPC provides statutory bail rights if a chargesheet is not filed within the applicable 60- or 90-day period.
- Possible consequence
- The accused could seek default bail if the 90-day period expires without a chargesheet.
- Congress demands
- Congress called for a forensic audit, strict action against those responsible, and a transparent investigation.
- Investigation status
- The Supreme Court reviewed a detailed SIT status report submitted in a sealed cover.
