The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the petitioner seeking a criminal investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations received by the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to formally mention the matter on June 29 for consideration.
The petition seeks the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a fair, independent and time-bound investigation into the allegations relating to donations collected for the temple.
Bench Declines Immediate Listing
The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi, seeking urgent listing.
The Bench directed the petitioner to mention the matter again on June 29, after which the Court may consider listing it for hearing in accordance with its procedures.
No observations were made by the Court on the merits of the allegations during Thursday's proceedings.
Petition Seeks Independent Investigation
According to the petition, directions have been sought for:
- Registration of an FIR into the alleged embezzlement of donations.
- A fair, impartial and time-bound investigation.
- Oversight to ensure transparency in the handling of public donations.
- Appropriate legal action if any financial irregularities are established.
The petitioner has also sought directions to the Central Government, the Uttar Pradesh Government, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for establishing stronger regulatory and supervisory mechanisms governing donation management.
Call for Audit and Oversight Mechanisms
The petition further requests the creation of appropriate audit, supervisory and compliance systems to safeguard public contributions made by devotees.
According to the plea, transparent financial governance would help maintain the confidence of millions of devotees and donors contributing to the temple.
The petition emphasizes the need for institutional safeguards in the management of charitable and religious donations.
Matter Yet to be Examined on Merits
At this stage, the Supreme Court has not examined the factual allegations contained in the petition.
The proceedings on Thursday were limited to the issue of listing, with the Court directing the petitioner to mention the matter again on June 29.
Any decision regarding investigation, issuance of notice, or further judicial directions will depend on subsequent hearings.
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