Include independent auditor in SIT probing Ram Temple donation theft, Uttar Pradesh High Court said

The Supreme Court on Monday (July 27, 2026) asked the Uttar Pradesh government to include an independent forensic auditor in the reconstituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, calling for a “quality and impartial” investigation.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, which heard a number of petitions seeking an independent probe into alleged financial irregularities in the affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, also directed the SIT to submit a status report on the investigation within two weeks.

“Since the nature of the investigation involves alleged misappropriation of trust funds, the learned Solicitor General representing the State of Uttar Pradesh has fairly agreed that an auditor experienced in forensic audit should also be attached as a member of the SIT. We have been informed that the SIT has already taken charge and the investigation is ongoing. We direct the SIT to also submit a status report on the investigation of Jocha Baga with respect to Jocha Bagy.” and V. Mohana, said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the Bench that a four-member SIT headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kiran S has been constituted to probe the alleged embezzlement of donations at the temple. He said the bench was restored in accordance with the earlier directions of the apex court.

The bench had earlier warned all parties against “politicizing” the investigation and asked the state government to consider placing the ongoing police probe under the supervision of a three-member SIT, which first uncovered prima facie evidence of the alleged scam.

“We would like you to take directions whether the same SIT which probed the issue earlier can oversee the investigation. These senior officials have first-hand experience of the matter,” the Bench told Mr Mehta, referring to a committee comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IGP Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan.

On Monday, Mr. Mehta informed the court that Mr. Kiran would lead the investigation. “Then there is one Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), one Senior Superintendent of Police and one Additional Superintendent of Police,” he added. The UP government has included Inspector General of Police (Ayodhya Range) Somen Barma and Senior Inspector of Police (Ayodhya) Gaurav Grover as members of the reconstituted SIT.

The chief justice then said that a “prominent, independent” chartered accountant with expertise in forensic auditing would be included in the investigation team. Mr. Mehta agreed to the proposal. “No problem,” he replied.

‘Upload Donation Receipt’

Senior advocate Devdatt Kamat, appearing for one of the petitioners, said there were “vast reports” that cast doubt on whether donations from devotees across the country had actually reached the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He urged the Bench to direct the Trust to upload details of all donation receipts on its website to ensure transparency.

“Receipts have been collected from all over the country for the Trust. People have donated ₹100, 500 and other amounts. There are widespread reports that the money has not reached the Trust in the end. Any confirmation received by the Trust should be put on the website. That way people will know whether their money has reached the Trust or not,” said Mr Kamat.

He added that the proceedings were not adversarial in nature and that there should be “nothing to hide”.

“Let the SIT do its job”

However, the Bench refused to issue such a direction at this stage and observed that the SIT should first be allowed to complete its investigation. Instead, she asked Mr. Kamat to place his suggestions on record so that appropriate directions can be considered later if necessary.

“Let the SIT do its work. We are not closing the matter. All these remedial measures may have to be taken and we may issue directions at an appropriate stage. You may note all the steps required to ensure transparency,” the chief justice observed.

The court also rejected another request to have a retired judge oversee the SIT investigation. “Another layer through a retired judge is not needed. We are watching it,” the Bench said.

After two weeks, the matter was referred for further discussion. The bench directed the SIT to record its status report and said it would continue to monitor the progress of the investigation.

Several petitions

One of the petitions was filed by personal petitioner Narendra Kumar Goswami, who asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the alleged fraud along with an audit of the Trust’s finances by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Another petition filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh demands a court-supervised CBI probe along with a comprehensive forensic audit of the temple trust’s finances. Mr. Singh also urged the apex court to ensure the preservation of all financial records, including physical documents, digital ledgers, UPI transaction logs and bank statements, to preserve the integrity of evidence during the investigation.

The petition also seeks directions that the Trust provide the Supreme Court with a full account of all funds received since its inception. This would include cash donations, bank transfers, digital payments, foreign contributions and in-kind donations such as gold, silver and other valuables, along with details of how they were used.

Published – 27 Jul 2026 16:23 IST