The Uttar Pradesh government has told the Supreme Court that the chargesheet in the case involving alleged misappropriation of donations made to the Ramjanmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya will be filed by September 25, the day the 90-day investigation period ends.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, considered the status report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the allegations.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the bench that investigators had examined CCTV footage and other material while working to identify the accused. The Court was also told that the probe is substantially complete.
The Supreme Court permitted the concerned Sessions Court in Uttar Pradesh to issue an appropriate order in the case. The Chief Justice said the apex court did not intend to remove the matter from the Sessions Judge at this stage, adding that further directions would be issued if the Court determined that additional investigation was necessary.
The proceedings stem from petitions seeking an independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities and the alleged diversion of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
On July 22, the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a special SIT to examine the allegations. It directed that the team be led by an experienced Inspector General of Police and include a forensic expert.
During the previous hearing on August 17, the Court declined to make the SIT status report public at that stage. Petitioners and other public-spirited individuals were, however, allowed to send suggestions related to the investigation to the Solicitor General's office.
The Supreme Court also made it clear that the SIT's investigation would remain limited to the FIR.
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