The Supreme Court on Monday disposed of petitions seeking an independent investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple after the Uttar Pradesh government informed it that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had completed its probe and filed a chargesheet.
A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana directed that the proceedings would now continue before the local court in Ayodhya. It also allowed the petitioners, who had sought an independent investigation, to assist the trial court.
The bench clarified that its decision to close the petitions did not amount to expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations.
SIT Finds Misappropriation During Donation Counting
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the Supreme Court that the SIT investigation had revealed misappropriation of temple donations during the counting process.
According to the findings presented by Mehta, some accused persons had used the allegedly embezzled funds to purchase properties, while others had deposited the money in banks.
After recording the state government’s submissions, the Supreme Court concluded the proceedings before it, leaving the trial to the competent court in Ayodhya.
Separate Plea Concerning Temple Land Not Entertained
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court also declined to entertain a fresh petition seeking a determination of whether the Ram temple is situated on the land adjudicated in the principal Ayodhya title dispute.
The decision follows an earlier development in the investigation when, on September 21, the court-appointed SIT had informed the Supreme Court that it intended to submit its first chargesheet by September 25.
With the Uttar Pradesh government now confirming the filing of the chargesheet, the case will proceed before the local trial court.
