Supreme Court May Order Ayodhya Temple Fund Audit Due to Theft Claims

The Supreme Court is reviewing a call for an audit of Ayodhya temple finances following allegations of donation theft. This follows the arrest of eight individuals in connection with the case.
By Newsroom | Law, India |

The Supreme Court of India is currently deliberating on a request to move the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of funds at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Sudhakar Singh, an RJD Member of Parliament, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) calling for a forensic audit and the establishment of a court-monitored oversight committee to manage the temple’s secular financial affairs.

Ram Mandir Donation Theft : RJD MP Moves Supreme Court Seeking Audit Of Ayodhya Trust Finances, CBI Probe - Live Law - 1

The petitioner seeks an external investigation into alleged misappropriation of temple donations, citing an existing SIT probe and the reported recovery of a cash trail totaling Rs 77 lakh.

Ram Mandir Donation Theft : RJD MP Moves Supreme Court Seeking Audit Of Ayodhya Trust Finances, CBI Probe - Live Law - 2

Current Status of the Allegations

  • Legal Action: Eight individuals—including Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, and Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav—have been arrested in connection with the theft of donations.

  • State Response: The Uttar Pradesh Government formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13, 2026, following a formal request from the Trust.

  • Judicial Stance: On June 29, 2026, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Sheel Nagu declined an urgent hearing on the matter, noting that "Heavens are not going to fall" if the case is heard after the summer break.

Transparency and Oversight

The petition submitted by Sudhakar Singh outlines specific demands to ensure long-term accountability:

Ram Mandir Donation Theft : RJD MP Moves Supreme Court Seeking Audit Of Ayodhya Trust Finances, CBI Probe - Live Law - 3

  • Mandatory Audits: The Trust should publish audited financial statements and donation usage data on its official website.

  • Oversight Committee: Appointment of a temporary body consisting of retired judicial officers and financial experts to oversee the Trust's finances.

  • Preservation of Evidence: An interim order to prevent the tampering or destruction of financial records and electronic evidence linked to the offerings.

The petitioner maintains that his request does not seek to interfere with religious rites, but rather aims to uphold the "secular financial administration" of a site holding national importance.

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Ram Mandir Donation Theft : RJD MP Moves Supreme Court Seeking Audit Of Ayodhya Trust Finances, CBI Probe - Live Law - 4

Background

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has consistently rejected allegations of mismanagement. Champat Rai, the Trust’s general secretary, has maintained that all funds are handled with proper protocols. The temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi two-and-a-half years ago, has been the center of intense national focus, moving from a multi-decadal legal and political dispute to a landmark site of public worship. While the Trust asserts that there has been no wrongdoing, the discovery of a cash trail has catalyzed scrutiny regarding the Transparency and Accountability of institutionalized religious Donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Supreme Court considering regarding the Ayodhya temple finances?
The Supreme Court is reviewing a request to investigate alleged theft of donations made to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This includes a call for a forensic audit and potential CBI investigation.
Q: Who is making these allegations and why?
RJD MP Sudhakar Singh filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) asking for an audit and oversight committee. He cited the alleged misappropriation of temple donations and a cash trail totaling Rs 77 lakh.
Q: What action has already been taken regarding the alleged theft?
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the theft of donations. The Uttar Pradesh Government had previously formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13, 2026, to look into the matter.
Q: When will the Supreme Court hear the case?
A Supreme Court bench previously stated that an urgent hearing was not necessary, indicating the case would be heard after the summer break. The court is now deliberating on the request for an audit.
Q: What specific measures are being proposed for financial transparency at the Ayodhya temple?
The petition suggests mandatory publication of audited financial statements and donation usage data online. It also proposes an oversight committee of retired judicial officers and financial experts to manage the Trust's finances.
Q: Has the Ayodhya temple Trust responded to these allegations?
Yes, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has denied any mismanagement. Champat Rai, the Trust's general secretary, has stated that all funds are handled according to proper procedures.