The Supreme Court on Monday declined to grant an urgent hearing on a petition seeking an investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case, observing that there was no immediate need for urgent judicial intervention. The apex court directed that the matter be listed before a regular Bench after the court vacations for further consideration.
The petition seeks a court-monitored investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. It has requested the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
During the hearing on the request for an expedited listing, the Supreme Court made it clear that the case did not warrant immediate attention at this stage.
"There is no need for an urgent hearing in this matter at present," the court observed, while directing that the petition be placed before a regular Bench after the conclusion of the court vacations.
The order means that the plea will now be considered in the normal course of judicial proceedings.
The petitioner has alleged financial irregularities in the management of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and has sought an independent investigation under the supervision of the apex court.
The plea calls for the formation of a CBI-led Special Investigation Team to conduct a fair, impartial and time-bound probe into the alleged embezzlement of temple donations. It argues that a court-monitored investigation is necessary to ensure transparency and public confidence in the inquiry.
Meanwhile, all eight accused in the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case are scheduled to be produced before the Special Court for Corruption Act cases in Ayodhya on Monday for judicial custody proceedings.
The appearance comes as the Ayodhya Bar Association is set to decide whether its members will represent the accused in court.
Authorities have put in place extensive security arrangements around the court complex, deploying a heavy police presence both inside and outside the premises. The accused were remanded to judicial custody by a magistrate on Friday and are expected to be sent back to jail following Monday's proceedings.
The alleged Ram Temple donation theft case has seen significant developments over the past few weeks. Uttar Pradesh Police have conducted multiple raids as part of the investigation, recovering cash, jewellery and financial documents allegedly linked to the case.
Investigators have also recorded statements from several individuals connected to the probe. According to police sources, statements of nearly 140 people are expected to be recorded as the investigation progresses.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the nature of the allegations involving donations made by devotees, while the legal proceedings and police investigation continue on parallel tracks.
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