The Supreme Court on Monday directed the SIT probing alleged misappropriation of offerings at Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Temple to share its charge sheet with the Court. CCTV analysis found 105 instances of cash being removed or concealed in the counting room. The charge sheet is due by 25 September.
The Supreme Court has asked for a copy of the charge sheet in the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya, once it is filed before the trial court.
A bench of the Chief Justice, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana heard four connected petitions on 21 September 2026. It took note of the latest status report filed by the court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 16 September.
What the SIT found
The case was registered on 25 June 2026 at Police Station Ram Janmabhoomi against eight accused. According to the status report, CCTV footage from the counting room in the temple's PFC building revealed 105 instances of unauthorised currency removal or concealment, allegedly with help from others involved in the counting process.
The report tabulates unexplained deposits in the accused persons' bank accounts, lists movable and immovable assets allegedly bought with the money, and records recoveries made so far. Investigators believe the misappropriation happened inside the counting room while currency was being counted and handled.
Forensic auditor ASA & Associates LLP is assisting the SIT. Its scope now covers bank accounts of accounting staff, physical verification of valuables, mobile data forensics, donation-handling procedures, online deposits to the Trust's accounts, and reconciliation with audited financial statements.
Valuables verified, social media claims cleared
The SIT verified 803 valuable articles held in a State Bank of India locker against their TCS software receipts and found no discrepancies. Another 86 articles without receipts were separately identified and physically checked. Records for about 944.4 kg of white metal, believed to be silver and sent to the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India for melting, were also scrutinised.
Allegations circulating in the media and online, including claims about 200 kg and 38.288 kg of silver bricks, a silver necklace, a Charan Paduka, and a Ramcharitmanas-related donation, were verified. No discrepancies were found.
So far, 173 witnesses have been examined, including Trust functionaries, accountants, bank officials, security staff, CCTV operators and vendors.
Charge sheet this week
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Uttar Pradesh, told the Court the investigation is complete and the charge sheet will be filed on or before 25 September, within 90 days of the first arrest. Further investigation will remain open under Section 193(9) of the BNSS.
The bench said it would not interfere with the trial court's jurisdiction but wants to review the charge sheet. Petitioners and other public-spirited individuals may flag issues needing the SIT's attention.
Why it matters
The case tests donation governance at one of India's most-visited shrines, where public trust depends on transparent handling of offerings. The Supreme Court's oversight adds scrutiny beyond a routine police probe.
What's next
SIT files charge sheet by 25 September 2026. The Supreme Court takes up the matter again on 2 November 2026.
Timeline
- 25 Jun 2026: Case registered against eight accused
- 27 Jul & 17 Aug 2026: Supreme Court orders status reports
- 16 Sep 2026: SIT files latest status report
- 21 Sep 2026: Supreme Court seeks copy of charge sheet
- 25 Sep 2026: Charge sheet deadline
- 2 Nov 2026: Next hearing