Supreme Court Declines Urgent Hearing on Ram Temple Donation Theft Case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a petition seeking a CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The plea was deferred, with the court observing that the trial court is already seized of the matter and should be allowed to proceed.
Details of the Petition
The petition, filed by a devotee, alleged that crores of rupees donated to the Ram Temple trust had been misappropriated. It sought a court-monitored investigation by the CBI and SIT to ensure transparency and accountability. The petitioner claimed that the temple authorities had failed to provide a proper account of the donations received since the temple's foundation ceremony in 2020.
Court's Observation
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul declined to list the matter urgently, stating, "We are not inclined to give an urgent hearing. Let the trial court decide the issue." The court noted that the petitioner could approach the appropriate forum if the trial court does not act expeditiously.
Background of the Case
The Ram Temple trust has been collecting donations from devotees across the country and abroad for the construction of the temple. In April 2026, allegations surfaced that a significant portion of the funds had been embezzled by some trust officials. The Uttar Pradesh Police had registered an FIR, but the petitioner expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, prompting the plea for a CBI-SIT probe.
Impact and Next Steps
The Supreme Court's decision means the plea will now be heard in due course, likely after the trial court completes its preliminary inquiry. Legal experts suggest that the deferral could delay any potential CBI investigation by several months. Meanwhile, the temple trust has denied any wrongdoing and stated that all donations are accounted for.
