Supreme Court Refuses Urgent Hearing in Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

Brief By Newsbrief / 12:30 PM on 29 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged theft of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The petition, filed by two advocates, sought a multi-agency probe led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The petitioners argued that the ongoing investigation by the Uttar Pradesh Police had failed to inspire public confidence and alleged that crucial evidence in the case was not being adequately preserved. They urged the court to take up the matter on an urgent basis due to its sensitivity and public importance.

A bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Shail Nagu declined the request for immediate hearing. The bench observed that no extraordinary situation would arise if the matter was heard after the court resumed its regular functioning following the summer recess. During the hearing, the judges remarked that “the sky will not fall” if the petition is taken up later. The court subsequently scheduled the matter for hearing during the week of July 12 to July 17. With this decision, no immediate judicial intervention is expected in the case.

The PIL comes at a time when the Uttar Pradesh Police is already conducting an investigation into the alleged theft. As part of the probe, the statement of former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai has been recorded. Statements of other senior trust officials, including trustee Anil Mishra, may also be recorded if required. Investigators are examining all aspects of the case and gathering relevant evidence. The upcoming hearing in July is expected to determine whether further directions regarding the investigation are necessary.