The Supreme Court on Monday declined to urgently hear a petition seeking an investigation into allegations of misappropriation and theft of donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
A Bench comprising Justices M. M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu questioned the urgency of the matter during the hearing.
“Heavens are not going to fall. What is the urgency?” the Bench remarked while refusing an immediate listing of the petition.
The court stated that the matter would be taken up after the summer vacation.
What the Petition Seeks
The petition was filed by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav. It seeks an independent investigation into alleged irregularities involving donations received by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The petitioners argued that recent reports about the alleged disappearance of temple funds have raised serious public concerns and warranted immediate judicial intervention.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners submitted that the manner in which the state authorities handled the issue had created doubts regarding the investigation.
Court Questions Need for Immediate Hearing
While the petitioners pressed for an urgent hearing, the Supreme Court observed that there was no immediate situation requiring emergency intervention.
The Bench decided that the case would follow the normal listing process after the court’s summer break.
Background of the Controversy
The plea comes amid widespread public debate over allegations that donations made to the Ram Temple were allegedly misappropriated.
The controversy intensified after:
- Eight people were reportedly arrested in connection with the alleged donation theft.
- Two members of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Trust, including General Secretary Champat Rai, reportedly resigned.
- Questions were raised over the handling of the investigation by state authorities.
The allegations have attracted significant public attention because of the religious and national importance of the Ram Temple.
Petition Raises Concerns Over Investigation
According to the petition, reports regarding missing donations and alleged financial irregularities have affected public confidence.
The plea states that generations of people who supported the Ram Janmabhoomi movement have expressed concern over the controversy.
It also questions the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) before the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). The petition requests an independent verification of all allegations related to the temple donations.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the allegations. Instead, it has deferred the matter for hearing after the summer vacation.
The court’s decision means the petition will proceed through the regular judicial process rather than being heard on an urgent basis.
