Ram Mandir Donations Row: Allahabad High Court Disposes Of PIL Seeking CBI Probe

The Allahabad High Court on Monday disposed of the public interest litigation (PIL) filed seeking a court-monitored probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged embezzlement of donation funds, including cash, gold and silver offerings, at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya.

The division bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla was told that a similar matter has already reached the Supreme Court. To this, the bench opined that the matter should be heard before the apex court.

While disposing of the petition, court also cautioned the petitioner against publicising matters before they are taken up for hearing by the court.

The PIL, filed by Lucknow-based advocate Mohit Ashok, also sought a direction for a forensic audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of all donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust since its inception. The petitioner had further prayed for preservation of all financial records, CCTV footage and digital evidence relating to the alleged misappropriation.

According to the petition, the alleged embezzlement came to light after an FIR was registered at Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The FIR names eight accused, including contractual staff and sanitation workers engaged at the temple premises, alleging systematic theft of devotees' offerings over a prolonged period.

The petitioner contended that while arrests have been made, the investigation by the local police may not adequately examine the role of higher officials or systemic lapses in the management of temple donations.

It was argued that given the national importance of the temple and the magnitude of public donations involved, an independent investigation by the CBI under the supervision of the high court is necessary to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence.

The PIL also sought directions for a time-bound investigation, periodic status reports before the court, and appropriate action against any officials or trust functionaries found responsible during the course of the probe.

Meanwhile, the alleged embezzlement has become the subject of multiple proceedings. The Supreme Court recently declined to grant an urgent hearing on a separate petition seeking a CBI-led probe into the matter, observing that there was no immediate urgency warranting extraordinary listing.

Separately, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government continues its investigation into the alleged diversion of donation funds.

Case Title: Mohit Ashok vs. UOI and 4 Others

Order Date: July 6, 2026

Bench: Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla