New Delhi: The matter of allegations regarding the offerings made by devotees in the Ram Janmabhoomi temple of Ayodhya has now reached the Supreme Court. In the hearing held on Monday, the court sent a notice to the central government, Uttar Pradesh government and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust seeking their response. The court also said that the SIT formed by the UP government should give a complete report of what it has done so far before the next hearing. The next hearing will be on July 20.
What comments did the court make during the hearing?
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan said that the court wants to know under what circumstances the state government constituted the SIT and at what stage the investigation is at present. The bench directed that along with the progress report of the investigation, complete details of the formation of the SIT, its jurisdiction and the action taken so far should also be placed on record.
What allegations are mentioned in the petition?
The petitioners say that there have been major irregularities in the maintenance of money and goods offered by the devotees in the temple. They allege that without any independent investigation the truth will not come out. Therefore, he has demanded that either the matter should be investigated by an independent agency or the entire process be under the supervision of the Supreme Court. In the petition, it has also been said that the accounts and transactions of the offerings should be investigated.
Why was notice sent to Ram Mandir Trust?
The operation and administration of Ram Janmabhoomi temple located in Ayodhya is the responsibility of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. For this reason, the court has also issued a notice to the Trust and sought its opinion. The court wants to understand what the Trust has to say on the allegations made in the petition and how the existing system of collection, security and accounting of offerings works.
What will be clear from the SIT report?
The court believes that before further hearing it is important to know in which direction the investigation of the state government is moving. This is the reason why a detailed status report has been sought from the SIT. The report has been asked to mention the statements recorded so far, evidence collected and the progress of the investigation. On this basis, the court will decide whether the current investigation is sufficient or whether another agency is needed.
Why will the July 20 hearing be important?
Now all the parties are keeping an eye on the hearing to be held on July 20. Till then the Central Government, Uttar Pradesh Government, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and SIT will have to file their reply in court. After studying these documents, the Supreme Court will decide what further steps should be taken in the case. At present, the court has not commented on the merits of any of the allegations and has decided to hold further hearing only after receiving replies from all the parties.
