Supreme Court to Hear Ram Mandir Fund Theft Pleas on July 13
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on July 13 multiple public interest litigations (PILs) demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and a forensic audit into the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The PILs, filed by activists and devotees, seek to uncover the truth behind the reported theft of crores of rupees from the temple trust.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
The petitioners have called for greater public transparency in the temple's financial management. Specifically, the PILs seek a direction to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to regularly publish audited financial statements and detailed donation records on its official website, while ensuring that sensitive donor information is protected. According to the petitioners, such measures are essential to restore public confidence in the temple construction project.
Background of the Case
Allegations of fund theft first surfaced in early 2026, when reports claimed that a significant amount of money collected from devotees worldwide had been siphoned off. The trust has denied any wrongdoing, stating that all funds are properly accounted for. However, the PILs argue that a preliminary inquiry by local authorities was insufficient and that a CBI investigation is necessary due to the scale of the alleged fraud. The Supreme Court had previously issued notices to the trust and the Uttar Pradesh government, seeking their responses.
Legal Arguments and Next Steps
During the upcoming hearing, the apex court will consider whether to order a CBI probe and a forensic audit, as demanded by the petitioners. The trust is expected to present its financial records to demonstrate compliance. The court may also direct the trust to implement transparency measures pending a full investigation. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for the financial oversight of religious institutions in India.
