‘Heavens are not going to fall’: SC rejects urgent listing of plea seeking CBI probe into Ram temple donations

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to urgently list petitions seeking a CBI-led multi-agency investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving donations received for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, observing that the matter could wait for a regular hearing.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Sheel Nagu said the petitions could be listed after the registry and competent authorities were satisfied about the urgency of the matter.

“Heavens are not going to fall if the petition is heard after the Supreme Court resumes regular functioning,” the bench remarked after petitioner Ajay Kumar Rai sought an early hearing and raised concerns over the ongoing investigation.

The pleas, filed by advocates Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, seek registration of an FIR and an independent, fair and time-bound investigation into allegations of diversion and misuse of donations collected for the Ram temple.

The petitioners have demanded a CBI-led special investigation team with experts from multiple agencies, arguing that a probe conducted only by state administrative officials may not inspire sufficient public confidence in a matter involving large-scale donations.

Another petitioner, advocate NK Goswami, also raised a similar plea before the same bench and was asked to approach the registry and establish grounds for urgent listing.

According to details on the Supreme Court website, the matter is likely to be listed on July 24 after the court resumes full functioning from July 13.

The petitions seek directions to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to establish stronger audit, monitoring and regulatory mechanisms to ensure transparency in the management of devotees’ donations.

The development comes amid an ongoing state investigation into alleged irregularities. Uttar Pradesh Police recently conducted searches at the residences of eight accused arrested in connection with the alleged theft of temple donations.

Police said ₹79.80 lakh was recovered from seven accused and that investigators are examining the alleged money trail, including whether the funds were converted into assets or transferred through relatives and associates.

The case was registered following a complaint by Trust member Krishna Mohan. The Trust has also confirmed receiving resignation letters from general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra amid the controversy.

The State Bank of India has said it is cooperating with the Special Investigation Team and providing assistance in the ongoing inquiry related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.