SC cautions against politicising Ayodhya Ram Mandir funds embezzlement case, promises 'proper investigation
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday cautioned against politicising the Ayodhya Ram Mandir funds embezzlement case.
Adding that the Bench will ensure a "proper investigation" in the case, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant verbally remarked, "Just a word of caution ... Don't politicise the issue. Courts are not a place for politics. It's a simple case of commission of crime."
The development took place during the resumed hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged embezzlement of funds meant for the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
Also read: Ram Mandir Donation theft Case: SC seeks SIT revamp, sets July 27 hearing
In compliance with the Court's directions, a report on the status of the probe was submitted. In response to the Bench's query about who is investigating the case, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, submitted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to find out the truthfulness. "Now it is being probed by the police. SIT just found that there is a cognizable offence," Mehta added.
The Bench sought the State's response on whether an SIT could be tasked with conducting the investigation as well.
"We will look at the aspect of investigation. The SIT had senior members. Please have instructions if a SIT can be formed for investigation," CJI Kant said. In response, Mehta submitted the same will be done.
On the other hand, one of the petitioners submitted that the petitioners were seeking accountability. The counsel argued that donations were sought at the time of the temple's construction. "Now we are seeking that those receipts are preserved and uploaded," the counsel submitted.
Adding that the Bench will ensure a "proper investigation" in the case, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant verbally remarked, "Just a word of caution ... Don't politicise the issue. Courts are not a place for politics. It's a simple case of commission of crime."
The development took place during the resumed hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged embezzlement of funds meant for the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
Also read: Ram Mandir Donation theft Case: SC seeks SIT revamp, sets July 27 hearing
In compliance with the Court's directions, a report on the status of the probe was submitted. In response to the Bench's query about who is investigating the case, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, submitted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to find out the truthfulness. "Now it is being probed by the police. SIT just found that there is a cognizable offence," Mehta added.
The Bench sought the State's response on whether an SIT could be tasked with conducting the investigation as well.
"We will look at the aspect of investigation. The SIT had senior members. Please have instructions if a SIT can be formed for investigation," CJI Kant said. In response, Mehta submitted the same will be done.
On the other hand, one of the petitioners submitted that the petitioners were seeking accountability. The counsel argued that donations were sought at the time of the temple's construction. "Now we are seeking that those receipts are preserved and uploaded," the counsel submitted.
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