New Delhi — A petition filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday asks the Supreme Court to order a comprehensive audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (SRJTK) trust and to direct a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged misappropriation of temple donations.
The petition, described by the filing as a matter of “exceptional public importance,” contends that the trust, which oversees the construction and administration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, manages “offerings made by millions of devotees” and therefore requires stringent oversight. Yadav’s counsel argues that there is a “credible suspicion” that a portion of the contributions has been diverted or embezzled.
The filing cites several media reports and statements from devotees alleging irregularities in the accounting of funds, but it does not provide documentary evidence of specific transactions. The petition seeks the following reliefs:
* An audit of the SRJTK’s accounts by a forensic accounting firm appointed by the court.
* A CBI investigation into the alleged diversion of donations.
* Interim directions to ensure that future offerings are accounted for in a transparent manner.
The SRJTK, a statutory body created under the 2020 Ram Janmabhoomi Trust Act, is responsible for managing the temple’s construction, maintenance, and related charitable activities. The trust’s finances are currently overseen by a board that includes senior officials from the Ministry of Culture and the Department of Revenue.
In response, the trust’s legal team filed a counter‑affidavit on Wednesday, stating that the trust’s accounts are “regular, transparent and in compliance with the law.” The trust’s spokesperson said that all donations are deposited in a dedicated government‑controlled account and that regular audits are conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
The Supreme Court has not yet scheduled a hearing on the petition. Legal analysts note that while the court has the authority to order a forensic audit, it typically requires concrete evidence of financial impropriety before directing a CBI probe. They also point out that the petition arrives amid heightened political sensitivities surrounding the temple’s completion, which is slated for 2024.
Analysis:
If the court orders an audit, it could set a precedent for increased financial scrutiny of religious trusts that handle large public donations. Proponents of the petition argue that transparency is essential to maintain public trust, especially given the temple’s symbolic significance and the massive inflow of funds. Critics, however, warn that the move may be politically motivated, noting Yadav’s position as a senior opposition leader. The outcome may also influence how future religious endowments are regulated, balancing the autonomy of faith‑based institutions with accountability to donors and the state.
Sources
– The Hindu, “Ram temple donation ‘theft’: RJD MP moves Supreme Court seeking audit of temple trust finances,” https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ram-temple-donation-theft-rjd-mp-moves-supreme-court-seeking-audit-of-temple-trust-finances/article71179930.ece.
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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