A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been moved before the Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) seeking an independent, credible and time-bound investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged “embezzlement of donation funds” — including monetary, gold, and silver donations — at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya.
Background
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, constructed following the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute case (M. Siddiq v. Mahant Suresh Das, 2019), was consecrated in a grand ceremony on January 22, 2024. The temple has since received massive donations from devotees across India and the diaspora.
The PIL petitioner alleges that there have been irregularities in the management of these donations by employees or officials associated with the temple trust, including alleged embezzlement of funds, gold, and silver received by the temple.
PIL Contentions
The petition reportedly contends that the scale of donations flowing into the Ram Mandir is substantial and that there is no adequate accountability mechanism in place to ensure transparent utilisation of these funds. The petitioner argues that given the national importance of the Mandir and the trust reposed by millions of devotees, the matter warrants a CBI inquiry to establish the facts.
Legal Framework
Temple management and the administration of religious donations are regulated by various state-level laws, and in some states, by specific temple trust legislation. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, formed pursuant to the Supreme Court’s direction, manages the Ram Mandir and its affairs.
PILs seeking CBI investigation into alleged financial irregularities at religious institutions have precedent in Indian courts, though courts typically exercise caution before ordering CBI probes, preferring that internal audit mechanisms or state agencies investigate first.
Court’s Response
The matter is pending before the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow Bench. The Court is expected to issue notice and seek a response from the relevant authorities before deciding whether a CBI probe is warranted.
Court: Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) | Source: LiveLaw | June 2026
