New Delhi: A legal representation has been filed before the Supreme Court demanding a court-monitored independent investigation into the alleged misappropriation, irregularities, and disappearance of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The letter petition, addressed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, urges the apex court to intervene immediately to restore the trust of millions of devotees across the globe.
The representation, submitted by Advocate-on-Record Anoop Prakash Awasthi, seeks specific directions for the registration of a formal First Information Report (FIR). It demands that a premier independent agency, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), carry out a comprehensive probe under the direct supervision of the constitutional court. The petition emphasizes that a highly credible investigation is essential because the controversy directly impacts public faith.
The development follows mounting concerns over the management and auditing of offerings collected at the revered shrine. While the Uttar Pradesh government recently constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the petitioner argues that an internal administrative probe is structurally inadequate. The absence of a formal criminal case and an FIR has raised serious questions among the public regarding the official response to the suspected financial irregularities.
According to the letter petition, reports have emerged alleging that certain individuals involved in the temple donation management are in possession of wealth and assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. The plea states that whether these claims are ultimately proven or disproved remains a matter for competent investigators. However, the petition notes that the very existence of such severe allegations has generated profound anxiety among devotees both in India and abroad.
Beyond seeking a criminal probe, the representation asks the Supreme Court to establish a continuing judicial oversight mechanism. This proposed system would focus on preserving, accounting for, and protecting all monetary contributions and properties received by the temple. The petitioner insists that a forensic examination of the collection, custody, and disbursement channels is necessary to introduce full transparency.
The petition concludes that when institutional integrity is questioned, complete transparency can only be achieved by insulating the inquiry from any potential regional influence or conflict of interest. The apex court is yet to list the representation for a formal hearing.