Ram Mandir embezzlement case: SC seeks probe status report from U.P.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a formal notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust regarding a plea alleging embezzlement of funds. The court is seeking a detailed status report on the current investigative proceedings related to the claims of financial mismanagement.

A bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih issued the directions while hearing a petition that calls for an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The petitioner argues that an external agency is necessary to ensure transparency in the handling of temple donations.

The legal challenge centers on allegations of irregularities in land dealings and the utilization of funds collected for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The trust has previously denied these allegations, maintaining that all financial transactions have been conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

The court has scheduled further hearings on the matter once the state government submits its comprehensive report regarding the status of the ongoing provincial probe. Source: Supreme Court of India proceedings.