New Delhi: The Supreme Court has declined to grant an urgent hearing on a petition seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged theft and misuse of donations and valuables worth crores of rupees that devotees offered to the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
The plea was filed by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, who alleged large-scale misappropriation of the temple's funds and donated assets. They sought registration of a First Information Report and a Central Bureau of Investigation probe, arguing that an independent investigation was necessary to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the administration of the temple.
During the hearing, the court questioned the need for urgent intervention, asking the petitioners to explain why the matter required immediate consideration. The court asked what the urgency is and noted that “heavens are not going to fall”.
In response, the petitioners argued that the government's handling of the case following the exposure of the alleged theft had raised serious concerns.
A division bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu refused to entertain the matter on an urgent basis. However, the bench said the petition would be listed for hearing after the Supreme Court's summer vacation.
The alleged theft has triggered political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party facing criticism over the issue.
Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team is continuing its probe in Ayodhya. Eight people have already been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators have questioned several individuals, including officials of the State Bank of India, as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Searches have also been conducted at the residences and offices of temple functionaries. Following the controversy, two members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, including General Secretary Champat Rai, resigned from their positions as the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities continues.