The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a petition demanding the registration of an FIR and a fair investigation by a CBI-led multi-disciplinary special investigation team (SIT) into the alleged embezzlement of funds meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Court's Response to Urgency Plea
A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu told the petitioners, “Heavens are not going to fall if the petition is heard after the court resumes regular functioning after the summer break.” The bench questioned the urgency, asking, “What’s the urgency?” The court indicated that the matter could be taken up once regular hearings resume.
Petitioners' Demands and Background
The petition was filed on June 22 by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav. They sought the constitution of a CBI-led SIT to investigate alleged financial irregularities and other illegalities concerning the affairs and administration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The trust oversees the construction and management of the Ram Temple.
On June 23, the Uttar Pradesh government's own SIT submitted a preliminary report on the matter. Based on that report, an FIR was registered and eight individuals were arrested. However, the petitioners argued that this probe was insufficient and that a more independent investigation was necessary.
Concerns Over Public Confidence
The petitioners stressed the need for the Supreme Court's intervention to maintain public confidence in the trust's management. They submitted, “Whether or not the reports regarding missing funds and other alleged irregularities concerning the Trust are ultimately found to be true, the matter has caused deep concern among the generations that struggled for the restoration of the glory of Ayodhya.” They emphasized that the alleged irregularities went beyond possible criminal offences and directly impacted the faith and trust of countless devotees.
They further argued that an independent probe by a single agency with expertise in complex financial and criminal investigations would inspire greater public confidence than a preliminary probe by administrative officers who may lack specialized criminal investigation credentials.
Next Steps
With the Supreme Court declining an urgent hearing, the petition will likely be taken up after the summer break. The court's decision leaves the ongoing Uttar Pradesh government SIT investigation as the primary probe for now. The petitioners have not yet responded to the court's refusal.
