Supreme Court Orders Independent Forensic Auditor in Ram Temple Donation Probe

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to appoint an independent forensic auditor to assist the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of misappropriation of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, emphasised the need for a speedy, qualitative, clear, impartial, and above-board investigation. The court stated that its focus is on the credibility and quality of the probe, and it expects the SIT to have full access to the trust's financial records.

The order came during the hearing of petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged donation theft. The court, however, stopped short of ordering a CBI probe, instead opting to bolster the existing SIT with external expertise.

“As of now, our entire focus is on investigation. We must have a speedy, qualitative, clear, impartial, and above-board investigation,” the Chief Justice said.

The bench directed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that the forensic auditor is appointed within a week and that the SIT submits a progress report within two months. The court also reserved the right to monitor the investigation to maintain transparency.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established by the central government after the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute. The trust is responsible for the construction and management of the Ram Temple. The allegations of donation misappropriation first surfaced in 2023, prompting public interest litigation.

The Supreme Court's intervention underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in matters of public trust, particularly those involving religious institutions and public donations.