Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 21-09-2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Petitioners Ajay Kumar Rai & Anr vs. Respondent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust & Ors.
  • Nature: Criminal writ petitions alleging unauthorized removal and misappropriation of offerings and donations at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya.
  • Background: Case registered on 25-06-2026 at Police Station Ram Janmabhoomi, District Ayodhya against eight accused persons. Initial investigation by Circle Officer, Ayodhya; later supervised by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by this Court.
  • Investigation Details: Collected CCTV footage, witness statements, search and recovery reports, bank and financial records, property documents, mobile data, call detail records, forensic examinations, and other documentary/electronic material. ASA & Associates LLP appointed as forensic auditor; audit scope expanded to include bank account analysis of accounting personnel, physical verification of valuable articles, CCTV examination, mobile data forensic analysis, SOP review for receipt, accounting and deposit of donations, analysis of online deposits, and reconciliation with audited financial statements.
  • Key Findings:
  • CCTV analysis revealed 105 instances of unauthorized currency removal or concealment from the counting room, involving assistance from other individuals.
  • Tabulated summary of unexplained deposits in accused persons’ accounts and details of immovable and movable assets where suspected proceeds were invested.
  • Receipts generated by TCS software for 803 valuable articles verified; all stored in a State Bank of India locker with no discrepancies.
  • 86 valuable articles lacked receipts; these were physically verified.
  • Approximately 944.411 kilograms of white metal (silver) sent by the Trust to Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd for melting; related records examined.
  • Media‑reported donations (200 kg silver bricks, 38.288 kg silver bricks, a silver necklace, Charan Paduka, and a donation related to the Ramcharitmanas) were investigated; no discrepancies identified.
  • 173 witness statements recorded as of 14-09-2026, including trust functionaries, accounting personnel, banking officials, security staff, CCTV operators, chartered accountants, vendors, and persons connected with property transactions.
  • Standard Operating Procedures and records concerning counting, handling of donations, security arrangements, CCTV recordings, and reconciliation were examined.
  • Status: Investigation substantially completed. Police report/charge sheet under Section 193 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) to be filed before the competent court. Further investigation permissible under Section 193(9) if new evidence emerges.

Final Outcome

  • The Court noted the investigation is essentially complete and directed the SIT to file the charge sheet on or before 25-09-2026 (within 90 days of the first arrest).
  • A copy of the charge sheet, once filed, shall be provided to this Court.
  • The matter is listed for further consideration on 02-11-2026. Petitioners or any public‑spirited individuals may highlight additional issues for the Additional Sessions Judge or Special Judge, subject to Section 193(9) directions.

Topics: Court Proceedings, Temple Donation Misappropriation