Ram Temple Donation Theft: RJD MP Moves Court, Seeks Forensic Audit Of Trust Accounts

Last Updated:July 04, 2026, 08:01 IST

RJD MP Sudhakar Singh seeks SC probe into Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust finances, citing irregularities and a Rs 77 lakh cash trail.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh has approached the Supreme Court, seeking an independent investigation into the finances of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The petition cites allegations of financial irregularities, an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry and reports of a Rs 77 lakh cash trail as reasons for a fresh probe.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed on July 3, states that its objective is limited to the Trust’s financial management and does not question the functioning of the Ram Mandir, its religious activities or temple rituals.

According to the plea, the case concerns transparency in the handling of public donations and seeks judicial intervention to ensure that the trust’s financial affairs are examined through an independent process.

Demand For CBI Investigation

Among the main requests, Singh has asked the apex court to transfer the ongoing investigation from the state police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He has also sought that the probe be carried out under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.

The petition argues that an independent agency is necessary to inspire public confidence in the investigation.

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Court-Monitored Panel Proposed

The PIL has also proposed the formation of a temporary oversight committee, supervised by the Supreme Court, to monitor the Trust’s financial administration while the investigation remains pending.

The proposed panel would comprise retired judicial officers and financial experts. Until the probe concludes, the committee would oversee significant financial decisions taken by the Trust.

Protection Of Records Sought

The petitioner has urged the court to direct authorities to preserve every financial record linked to the Trust. This includes physical files, bank statements, digital accounting records and UPI transaction logs, with the aim of preventing any possible destruction or tampering of evidence.

The plea also seeks restrictions on major financial transactions by the Trust during the investigation. It requests that no large investments, major contracts, disposal of assets or other significant financial commitments be allowed without the Oversight Committee’s approval.

Forensic Audit And Public Disclosure

The petition further calls for a detailed forensic audit of the Trust’s finances by an independent agency. It seeks scrutiny of donations, offerings, bank transactions, assets and other financial records, with the final audit report to be submitted before the Supreme Court.

In addition, Singh has requested that the Trust be directed to make its audited financial statements and details of donations and expenditure publicly available through its official website, while ensuring that sensitive donor information remains protected.

The plea also asks the court to direct the Trust to submit a complete account of all contributions received since it was constituted. This includes cash donations, online transfers, foreign contributions, and donations in kind, such as gold, silver and other valuables, along with details of how these assets have been recorded, safeguarded and utilised.

Interim Directions Requested

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the petitioner has sought interim relief in the form of an ex parte order constituting the proposed oversight committee. It has also requested that the Trust be prevented from taking major financial, administrative or policy decisions—including awarding contracts, making investments, disposing of assets or appointing senior officials—without the committee’s prior approval.

Previous Pleas

The fresh PIL comes shortly after the Supreme Court declined to urgently list two separate petitions that also sought a court-monitored investigation into allegations of misappropriation of donations meant for the Ram Mandir.

The petition has been filed by Advocate Satyam Singh Rajput and Advocate-on-Record Jaswanthi A.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

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