New Delhi, July 27 (IANS). Hearing was held in the Supreme Court on Monday on petitions demanding an independent investigation into allegations of financial irregularities and alleged theft of offerings from devotees in the Shri Ram temple of Ayodhya. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case to file a status report within two weeks. Now the next hearing of this case will be after two weeks.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice said that the investigation of the case should be completely fair, transparent and of quality. He suggested that the SIT include an experienced chartered accountant as well as a forensic auditor or forensic expert, so that financial transactions and records could be thoroughly examined. The Uttar Pradesh government agreed to this suggestion.
Senior advocate Kamat, appearing for the petitioners, told the court that devotees from across the country donate Rs 100, Rs 500 and thousands to the temple. Complete details of all these donations should be made public and available on the official website of the Trust, so that transparency is maintained in the donation process.
The Chief Justice made it clear that the objective of the court is to ensure effective and credible investigation based on facts and not just a formal investigation. He said that considering the nature of financial matters, the role of forensic expert would be important.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UP government, told the court that the state government has constituted the SIT as per the directions of the Supreme Court. He told that the SIT is headed by IG Kiran S. Is doing. A DIG, an SP level officer and a chartered accountant have also been included in the team. He said that the progress and scope of the investigation is being monitored by the Supreme Court itself.
During the hearing, a petitioner reiterated his demand to make public the complete details of donations received from across the country. Considering this demand, the court said that transparency and credibility of the investigation is of top priority.
–IANS
SCH/PM
