SC Proposes Special Investigation Team for Ayodhya Temple Donations Case

A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, on Monday (July 20, 2026) heard multiple petitions seeking a fair and time-bound investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The court suggested setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case and requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Uttar Pradesh, to consult with the state's Director General of Police on this matter.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice of India objected to the multiplicity of petitions filed in the Supreme Court regarding the same case. The court noted that it would review the probe report submitted by the Uttar Pradesh police and posted the matter for further hearing.

Solicitor General Mehta informed the bench that a status report of the investigation had been filed and that eight individuals had been arrested so far. The alleged theft of donations offered at the Ram temple came to light in the first week of June 2026. The incident has led to the arrest of eight persons and the resignation of two senior functionaries from the temple trust.