SC disposes of Ram Temple embezzlement petitions after Uttar Pradesh says charge sheet filed

The Supreme Court on Monday, November 2, 2026, closed several petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged misappropriation of donations received by the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Uttar Pradesh government informed the court that its Special Investigation Team (SIT) had already completed its investigation and filed a charge sheet in the case. After considering the government’s submission, the court decided not to entertain the separate requests for a CBI investigation. However, the Bench allowed the petitioners, including the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Case Trust, Ajay Kumar Rai, Narendra Kumar Goswami and Sudhakar Singh, to assist the trial court during further proceedings. The judges observed that the matter involved public interest and that the law allowed victims of alleged crimes to participate in court proceedings and assist the judicial process.

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Petitioners Demand Independent Forensic Audit of Temple Donations

Chief Justice Kant explained that the petitioners could assist the trial court in the same manner as victims of other criminal cases. He observed that courts often allow victims to participate when a case involves wider public interest. During the hearing, he told the petitioners that the law provided an opportunity for victims to assist the court. The Bench clarified that the petitioners could raise relevant issues before the trial court as the case progressed. Apart from demanding a CBI investigation, the petitioners had raised concerns about the handling of donations and offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. They also requested authorities to immediately preserve important evidence, including financial records, CCTV footage and digital logs. Their applications highlighted the need to protect electronic and documentary evidence that could help investigators establish the facts surrounding the alleged financial irregularities.

The petitioners also demanded an independent forensic audit of all donations, offerings and valuable items received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust since its establishment. They argued that an independent examination could help authorities identify financial irregularities and improve transparency in temple administration. Additionally, they asked the Supreme Court to establish an expert committee with representatives from Central and Uttar Pradesh government departments. The proposed committee would include audit specialists, accounting professionals, digital payment experts, cyber forensic investigators and temple administration experts. The petitioners wanted this committee to develop a National Minimum Temple Donation Transparency Framework. They proposed applying these guidelines to major public temples and religious institutions across the country. Their suggestions specifically mentioned the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya and Shri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura, along with other temples receiving substantial annual donations.

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SIT Identifies 105 Cases of Unauthorised Cash Removal Through CCTV

During an earlier hearing, the Uttar Pradesh government’s Special Investigation Team presented details of its investigation into the alleged theft and misappropriation of temple donations. According to the SIT report, investigators identified 105 instances of unauthorised currency removal through CCTV recordings inside the temple premises. These incidents became an important part of the investigation into the handling of donations. The government also informed the Supreme Court about the progress made by the investigation team. During Monday’s hearing, Mr. Mehta explained that investigators could initially retrieve only 48 hours of CCTV footage. Despite this limitation, the team continued examining available evidence and tracing the movement of the allegedly stolen money. Investigators also worked to establish how and where the missing funds reached after their removal. The SIT subsequently filed its charge sheet before the court.

The Supreme Court’s latest order has brought an end to the pending petitions seeking a separate CBI investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case. However, the court has allowed the petitioners to participate in further proceedings before the trial court. This decision gives them an opportunity to raise concerns and assist the judicial process as the case moves forward. The investigation has also brought attention to the importance of financial accountability and proper record-keeping at major religious institutions. The petitioners’ demands for forensic audits, digital evidence preservation and standardised donation guidelines have raised broader questions about transparency in temple administration. Meanwhile, the SIT’s investigation and charge sheet will form part of the further legal proceedings. The case remains significant because it concerns donations and offerings made by devotees to one of India’s most prominent religious sites.

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