The Supreme Court on Monday said the status report submitted by the Uttar Pradesh government on the Special Investigation Team probe into alleged financial irregularities involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust cannot be shared with petitioners or other persons at this stage.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, however, allowed petitioners and other public-spirited individuals to submit suggestions related to the investigation. Such suggestions will have to be submitted through the office of the Solicitor General, which will place them before the SIT for consideration.
“If you want to make any suggestions for investigation, you may,” the court told lawyers representing various petitioners.
The court also directed the newly constituted SIT to submit a fresh status report at the next hearing.
The proceedings stem from a batch of petitions seeking an independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities and misappropriation of donations received by the Ayodhya temple trust. The pleas have sought a court-monitored probe, including a CBI-led SIT and a forensic audit.
The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier constituted an SIT. On July 22, the Supreme Court constituted another SIT to investigate allegations relating to the alleged misappropriation of trust funds. The court directed that the SIT be headed by an experienced Inspector General of Police and include a forensic expert.
The state has since submitted a status report on the investigation.
The Supreme Court clarified that the SIT's mandate is limited to investigating the FIR and that the present proceedings would not go beyond the scope of that investigation.
“These pleas are about investigation. Nothing more we will entertain,” the court said.
The Nirmohi Akhada, appearing through its counsel, sought a proper investigation, while petitioner Satyam sought details regarding donations received by the trust and their utilisation.
The bench also expressed concern over the manner in which donations were maintained and indicated that appropriate reforms could be considered.
The court said intervention applicants could assist it in the matter but reiterated that suggestions concerning the investigation must be routed through the Solicitor General's office.
The matter will be listed for further hearing on a date to be fixed by the court.
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