Ram Mandir fund theft case: SC seeks SIT status report, allows public inputs

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said petitioners and other bona fide public-spirited persons can assist the ongoing special investigation team (SIT) probe into the Ram Mandir fund embezzlement case by sending their suggestions to the office of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

The top court also directed the SIT to submit a status report in the case and take the investigation to a logical conclusion.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant, passed the order on a clutch of petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged theft of funds collected for the construction of the mandir.


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"We also permit the petitioners or any other bona fide public-spirited person to give their suggestions to the office of the learned Solicitor General with respect to the aspects that may be required to be thoroughly investigated by the SIT," the Bench ordered. "All such suggestions shall be forwarded to the SIT. We have no reason to doubt that the same shall be objectively considered."

The court also observed that SIT is answerable and accountable to the court and will first submit its report to the court.

"The SIT, which includes a forensic auditor, will submit its status report in a sealed cover. But its report will be first perused by us and seen if we must release it to all parties," the bench said.

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The bench observed that it is "open-minded" and can issue additional directions if SIT is found wanting in any manner or "qualitative improvement is required".