Supreme Court Refuses Urgent Hearing As Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Row Widens

The Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case has widened with Supreme Court proceedings, Bar Association reaction, arrests, resignations, and an SIT probe into alleged fund irregularities.
 

Ayodhya donation theft case now under sharper legal and public scrutiny

New Delhi/Ayodhya, June 29: The alleged Ram Temple donation theft case has taken a fresh turn, with the Supreme Court refusing to grant an urgent hearing on a plea seeking a higher-level probe, even as the Ayodhya Bar Association has reportedly resolved not to defend the accused in the case.

The controversy relates to alleged misappropriation of donations made by devotees at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The case has already led to arrests, resignations within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and a Special Investigation Team probe ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government.

Supreme Court declines urgent listing

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Sheel Nagu refused urgent listing of a petition connected to the alleged donation theft row. The plea reportedly sought a court-monitored investigation by the CBI and other agencies into the alleged misappropriation of temple donation funds.

During the mention, the court observed that the matter did not require immediate hearing and indicated that it would be taken up after the summer break. The remark came at a time when the case had already triggered strong reactions from political parties, local lawyers, and devotees.

The petitioners had raised concerns over the manner in which the investigation was being handled and sought an independent probe. However, the court did not agree to hear the matter urgently.

Ayodhya Bar warns lawyers against defending accused

In another major development, the Faizabad Bar Association in Ayodhya reportedly passed a resolution stating that its members should not appear for the accused arrested in the alleged donation embezzlement case.

According to reports, the lawyers’ body also warned that any advocate from the association who defends the accused may face a penalty of ₹5 lakh. The association said the alleged theft of temple offerings had hurt public and religious sentiments.

The Bar Association also reportedly demanded that some temple management-linked individuals leave Ayodhya within three days. The move has added another layer of tension to the already sensitive case, while also raising questions around the right of the accused to legal representation.

₹58 lakh recovery before FIR raises questions

The case has become more complicated after claims surfaced that around ₹58 lakh was allegedly recovered before the formal complaint and before the SIT began its probe.

According to source-based reports, certain members of the Trust conducted an internal inquiry after information about the alleged theft reached them. On June 5, Trust representatives and police personnel reportedly visited the residence of accused Avinash Shukla, where nearly ₹58 lakh was allegedly recovered.

The reported recovery is significant because it allegedly happened before the matter formally entered the legal process. Sources also claimed that the remaining amount was returned through bank transfers between June 5 and June 8.

Timeline under investigation

The emerging timeline has now become one of the key areas of the probe.

According to reports, information about the alleged theft reached the Trust on June 4. On June 5, Trust officials and police allegedly visited the house of one of the accused and recovered cash. Between June 5 and June 8, more money was reportedly returned through bank transfers. The allegations entered the public domain on June 7, after which formal legal action gathered pace.

Investigators are now expected to examine why the alleged recovery began before the FIR, whether proper procedure was followed, and whether any evidence or documentation was handled correctly during the early stages.

Eight accused arrested

Eight people have been arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement. Reports say several of them were linked to the process of counting cash and valuables received as donations at the temple.

Police have also carried out searches at the residences of the accused as part of the probe. Investigators are examining the money trail, assets, cash handling systems, employee verification processes, and CCTV monitoring arrangements.

The SIT has reportedly submitted its preliminary findings to the Uttar Pradesh government, following which the FIR was registered, and arrests were made.

Trust resignations add to controversy

The controversy has also led to resignations within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Champat Rai, who served as General Secretary, and trustee Anil Mishra have stepped down amid growing scrutiny.

The Trust has said it is committed to a fair investigation and has sought to reassure devotees that offerings personally handed over, including valuables, are safe and accounted for. It has also maintained that legal proceedings are underway.

Probe focus shifts to accountability

The alleged donation theft case has now moved beyond a routine criminal investigation. With questions over internal recovery, official procedure, donation handling, and accountability within the Trust, investigators are expected to examine whether there were deeper lapses in the system.

The Supreme Court’s decision not to urgently hear the matter does not end the legal challenge, as the plea may still come up later. For now, the SIT probe, police investigation, and public pressure in Ayodhya continue to shape the next stage of the case.

The key question before investigators is no longer limited to who allegedly took the donation money. The larger issue is how the alleged irregularities happened, why they were not detected earlier, and whether temple donation management systems need stronger safeguards.