Supreme Court to Hear Pleas Seeking CBI Probe into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation Scam on July 13

July 10, 2026 : The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on July 13 a batch of writ petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged misappropriation of donations made to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The petitions also seek a comprehensive forensic audit of the finances of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which administers and manages the temple.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan will hear three petitions alleging large-scale financial irregularities and misuse of public donations received by the Trust. The petitioners have urged the Court to ensure transparency, financial accountability, preservation of evidence and an independent investigation into the allegations.

One of the petitions has been filed by Narendra Kumar Goswami, appearing in person, seeking directions for a CBI investigation into the alleged theft of temple donations. The petitioner has also requested the Court to direct the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to conduct an independent audit of the Trust’s finances, arguing that the Trust manages substantial public donations and its accounts require independent scrutiny.

Another petition has been jointly filed by Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav, who have also sought a CBI investigation into the alleged financial irregularities involving the Trust’s funds.

A separate Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh, seeking a Supreme Court-monitored CBI investigation along with a comprehensive forensic audit of the Trust’s entire financial affairs. The petition contends that the seriousness of the allegations warrants continuous judicial supervision to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation.

The PIL further seeks directions for the immediate preservation of all financial records of the Trust, including physical documents, digital ledgers, UPI transaction logs, bank statements and electronic records, to prevent any destruction, alteration or tampering with evidence during the investigation.

Pending completion of the investigation, the petitioner has also requested an interim order restraining the Trust from taking any major financial or administrative decisions involving utilisation of Trust funds, awarding significant contracts, creating third-party rights, alienating Trust assets or making substantial financial commitments without the approval of a court-monitored oversight committee.

In addition, the PIL seeks a comprehensive forensic audit of the Trust’s accounts, donations, offerings, bank transactions and financial records by an independent agency of unquestionable credibility, with the audit report to be submitted before the Supreme Court.

The petitioner has also requested directions requiring the Trust to publish audited financial statements, details of donations received, utilisation of funds and other financial information on its official website in the interest of public accountability, while protecting confidential donor information wherever necessary. The petition further seeks a complete disclosure of all donations received since the Trust’s constitution, including cash donations, bank transfers, digital payments, foreign contributions, donations in kind, gold, silver and other valuables, along with details of their accounting, custody, management and utilisation.

Earlier, during the Supreme Court’s partial working days, the Bench had declined a request for urgent listing of the petitions. Similar petitions seeking substantially identical reliefs, including a CBI investigation and forensic audit, are also pending before the Allahabad High Court.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police has registered an FIR in connection with the alleged donation theft following an inquiry conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state government. According to the latest status placed before the Court, eight persons are currently in judicial custody in connection with the ongoing investigation.

The Supreme Court’s hearing on July 13 is expected to determine whether the allegations warrant judicially monitored investigation and further directions regarding the financial functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.