Ram Temple theft case: Uttar Pradesh to file charge sheet in 2 days, Supreme Court told

New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday told the Supreme Court that the charge sheet in the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case in Ayodhya would be filed within two days, as the apex court examined the progress of the investigation being conducted by the state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT). Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, made the submission before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.

The development came during the resumed hearing of a clutch of petitions seeking an independent investigation into allegations of theft and misappropriation of donations made at the Ram Temple.

"Within two days we will be filing (charge sheet)," Mehta told the bench. The Solicitor General also informed the SC that the SIT had submitted a status report on the investigation, which was perused by the bench during Monday's hearing. Mehta pointed out that the statutory period of 90 days from the date of the first arrest would expire on September 25. If the charge sheet was not filed before the expiry of this period, the accused could become entitled to default bail under the applicable criminal procedure provisions.


The proceedings assume significance as eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. The allegations concern the suspected theft or misappropriation of cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The apex court had earlier directed the UP authorities to place the progress of the investigation before it after petitions were filed seeking a court-monitored probe, including a CBI probe. The SC had also emphasised that the investigation should be taken to its logical conclusion expeditiously. The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently constituted an SIT to investigate the allegations. The probe has examined the collection, custody and accounting of donations and other offerings associated with the temple.