The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The bench of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Vikas Budhwar dismissed the plea, stating that the petitioner failed to provide sufficient evidence to warrant a transfer of the investigation from the state police to the CBI.
Background of the Case
The PIL, filed by local activist Ramesh Chandra Pandey, claimed that a significant amount of cash and gold donations collected for the Ram Temple construction had been misappropriated. The petitioner alleged that the state police investigation was inadequate and demanded a CBI inquiry to ensure transparency. However, the court observed that the petitioner did not present any concrete proof of theft or misconduct by the police.
According to the temple trust officials, all donations are meticulously recorded and audited. The trust had earlier denied any irregularities, stating that the accounts are regularly reviewed by independent auditors.
Court's Observation
Justice Bhansali remarked, "The petitioner has not placed on record any material to suggest that the state police is not conducting a fair investigation. Merely raising suspicions does not entitle one to a CBI probe." The court emphasized that the CBI should not be burdened with cases where local authorities are capable and willing to investigate.
The state government's counsel argued that the police had already registered a case and were investigating the matter diligently. The court agreed, noting that no prima facie case for a CBI investigation was made out.
Legal Precedents
The judgment cited Supreme Court guidelines that CBI probes should be ordered only in exceptional circumstances, such as when there is a threat to national security or when the investigation involves high-ranking officials. The court found that the present case did not meet these criteria.
Legal experts opine that this decision upholds the principle of federalism, where state police have primary jurisdiction over local crimes unless compelling reasons exist for a central agency to take over.
Reactions and Impact
The petitioner expressed disappointment but accepted the court's verdict. "I filed this PIL in public interest, but the court has its own wisdom. I respect the decision," Pandey said.
The Ram Temple trust welcomed the order, stating that it vindicates their position that the investigation is proceeding fairly. "We have full faith in the Uttar Pradesh Police and the judicial system," said a trust spokesperson.
The case has drawn attention due to the religious significance of the Ram Temple, which is under construction in Ayodhya. The temple, a long-standing demand of Hindus, is being built at the site where the Babri Masjid once stood. The Supreme Court in 2019 cleared the way for its construction. Donations for the temple have poured in from across the country and abroad.
This ruling is likely to put an end to demands for a CBI probe unless new evidence emerges. The state police will continue their investigation, and the court has directed them to submit a progress report within three months.
