SC Urged To Order FIR And Monitor Investigation Into Ram Temple Donations Row

A representation has been submitted before the Supreme Court of India seeking directions for the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a court-monitored investigation into allegations of misappropriation of donations made to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The plea calls for an independent inquiry under the supervision of the apex court to ensure transparency in the handling of temple funds.

The application has been filed by Advocate-on-Record Anoop Prakash Awasthi and is addressed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. It seeks directions for a probe by a central agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arguing that the scale and sensitivity of the allegations require a higher level of judicial oversight.

The representation claims that reports of alleged irregularities in donation management at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya have raised concerns among devotees in India and abroad. It states that while the Uttar Pradesh government has already constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the absence of an FIR and a formal criminal investigation has led to questions over the adequacy of the current inquiry process.

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It further argues that donations made to the temple represent sacred offerings and that any allegation involving their misuse carries not just financial implications but also concerns related to public faith. The plea emphasises that transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining confidence in the management of one of the country’s most significant religious institutions.

According to the representation, a court-monitored investigation is necessary to ensure independence and credibility, as state-level inquiries may not fully address public concerns. It also requests safeguards for donated funds and a comprehensive audit of collection, custody, and disbursement mechanisms to rule out any irregularities.

The issue has gained wider attention after political leaders raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in temple offerings, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to form an SIT to examine the matter. Meanwhile, the temple trust has supported an impartial investigation, stating that all donations are recorded and issued with receipts, and that any discrepancies, if found, should be properly examined through due process.

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