Ram Mandir donation theft probe: Supreme Court asks SIT to consider suggestions of litigants, bonafide citizens

The Supreme Court on Monday permitted petitioners and other bona fide public-spirited persons to assist the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Ayodhya Ram Mandir fund embezzlement case by sending their suggestions to the Solicitor General's office.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged theft of funds collected for the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

"We also permit the petitioners or any other bona fide public-spirited person to give their suggestions to the office of the learned Solicitor General with respect to the aspects that may be required to be thoroughly investigated by the SIT," the Court said.

All such suggestions shall be forwarded to the SIT, the Court ordered.

"We have no reason to doubt that the same shall be objectively considered," it said.

It also observed that SIT is answerable and accountable to the Court and will first submit its report to the Court.

"It will have to report to us. The SIT, which includes a forensic auditor, will submit its status report to the Supreme Court in sealed cover. But its report will be first perused by us and seen if we have to release it to all parties," the Bench said.

A batch of petitions before the Court are seeking a CBI probe in the donation theft case, under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

However, the Court so far has permitted an SIT of police officers, with the addition of a forensic auditor, to continue investigating the matter. It has been monitoring the ongoing investigation.

Today, the counsel representing a petitioner said that copy of the investigation material should be supplied to them so that they can assist the Court. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the request, stating that investigation cannot be shared with strangers.

In response, the counsel said,

"We are not strangers. This petition is filed on behalf of the people of India. We have a fundamental right to know. If it is produced to a suspect or a person who is helping. We would not be in a position to assist the Court otherwise."

The Court was also told that while the matter is sub-judice, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has publicly referred to the SIT findings.

CJI Kant said the Court can issue additional directions if SIT investigation needs improvement in any manner.

"If the SIT is doing the job satisfactorily, that's a different issue. But if you think they are wanting in any manner and qualitative improvement is required, we are open-minded. We can issue additional directions."

Since the SIT investigation is still going on, the Court adjourned the matter to a future date for further consideration.

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