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The Supreme Court has issued a very important and big order on Monday, July 20, in the high-profile case of theft of offerings and financial irregularities in the famous Shri Ram temple of Ayodhya. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to reconstitute the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case under the supervision of a senior IPS officer. The court has made it clear that the investigation into theft and embezzlement of temple donations should be completely impartial, transparent and in accordance with professional standards.

Hearing in Supreme Court: Three judge bench raised questions on the status of investigation

The hearing of the case began before a three-member special bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana. During the hearing, the top court reviewed the current status of the investigation process. The bench asked Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, who is currently in charge of the investigation into this serious case. The Solicitor General informed the court that a SIT was constituted at an early stage to get to the bottom of the matter and the police are continuously pursuing the investigation.

Solicitor General’s disclosure: 8 accused arrested so far, investigation report filed

Presenting the government’s side in the court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the investigating agency has filed a status report in this case. Police investigation has made it clear that this is a cognizable offence, in which the police can take immediate action without a warrant. Tushar Mehta informed the court that the police and investigating agencies have so far taken prompt action in this case and arrested 8 accused and the embezzled amount and financial records are being scrutinized.

Keep the matter away from politics, next hearing on SIT reorganization will be held on July 27

CJI Surya Kant, while commenting in a very strict tone during the hearing, said that this is a straight case of a criminal act and it should not be politicized under any circumstances. The CJI reiterated that courts are not a place for politics and the sole aim of the judiciary is to ensure fair and proper investigation of the case. On the direction of the court, the Solicitor General agreed that a new SIT headed by a senior IPS officer will be constituted and placed on record. The apex court will now next hear the matter on July 27, where the Uttar Pradesh government will submit the progress report of the reconstituted SIT.