SC directs UP to add forensic auditor to SIT probing Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation embezzlement
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to include a forensic audit expert in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of donations to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The court is monitoring the investigation directly and has sought a status report within two weeks.
Background
The SIT was constituted on July 20, 2026, following a Supreme Court order to investigate allegations of misappropriation of funds donated to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Key facts
The Supreme Court bench comprised Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.
The UP government immediately accepted the court's suggestion to include a chartered accountant with forensic audit expertise in the three-member SIT.
The SIT is headed by IGP Kiran S.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the expert would be drafted into the SIT without waiting for formal instructions.
The court emphasized an expeditious, fair, and transparent investigation into all aspects of the alleged misappropriation.
The court rejected a request to entrust supervision to a retired Supreme Court judge, stating that the bench itself is monitoring the probe.
The SIT was directed to submit a status report within two weeks.
The court warned petitioners against politicizing the issue during the last hearing.
The SIT can approach the Supreme Court directly if it faces any impediment in the investigation.
Prelims pointers
- Supreme Court bench: CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, V Mohana
- SIT head: IGP Kiran S
- Solicitor General: Tushar Mehta
- Trust: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
- Date of SIT constitution: July 20, 2026
- Forensic audit expert: Chartered Accountant with forensic audit expertise
Mains angles
- Role of Supreme Court in monitoring investigations and ensuring transparency in public trust matters.
- Significance of forensic audit in probing financial irregularities in religious trusts.
- Balance between judicial oversight and executive autonomy in investigations.