SC orders new SIT into Ram temple donation theft, will monitor probe
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court has taken over supervision of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir fund embezzlement investigation, removing local police and entrusting it to a new SIT led by a senior IPS officer. The court will monitor the probe and has directed the Shri Ram Teerth Kshetra Trust to preserve all donation receipts and accounts. Eight individuals have already been arrested.
Background
Allegations of embezzlement of donations meant for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya surfaced, leading to a UP police probe. A three-member SIT had earlier ordered registration of an FIR after concluding that embezzlement had occurred. The Supreme Court intervened to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
Key facts
Supreme Court ordered a new SIT headed by a senior IPS officer to investigate the Ram temple donation theft.
Local police have been removed from the probe; the SIT will report periodically to the Supreme Court.
Shri Ram Teerth Kshetra Trust must preserve all donation receipts and accounts for scrutiny.
Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the embezzlement.
The bench comprised CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted a sealed cover report on the status of the UP police probe.
The court cautioned against politicizing the investigation, stating it must be fair, impartial, and transparent.
The SIT will be constituted by the UP government with officers selected by the DGP.
Prelims pointers
- Supreme Court bench: CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, V Mohana
- Shri Ram Teerth Kshetra Trust: manages Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya
- SIT: Special Investigation Team
- Solicitor General: Tushar Mehta
- Ayodhya: city in Uttar Pradesh, site of Ram Temple
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Role of Supreme Court in monitoring investigations and ensuring impartiality.
- GS2 Governance: Transparency and accountability in public trusts and charitable donations.
- GS3 Internal Security: Criminal investigation mechanisms and SIT constitution.