Ram Temple Donation Case: Supreme Court Urged to Secure Digital Evidence Before Loss

A petition before the Supreme Court has requested urgent intervention to secure and preserve digital evidence in the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, citing fears that critical evidence could be 'quietly lost.' The case involves allegations of embezzlement of donations exceeding ₹₂ crore received at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, with eight persons named as accused.

Background: The Ram Temple, constructed at the disputed Ayodhya site after the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, became operational in January 2024. The temple has received substantial donations from devotees nationwide. The embezzlement allegations have emerged as a significant institutional integrity issue, with concerns raised by SBI officials about irregularities in temple fund handling three months prior to FIR filing.

Key Facts: (1) FIR filed against eight accused involved in temple fund management; (2) Digital records from bank accounts under scrutiny; (3) SBI formally raised concerns about irregular transactions; (4) Supreme Court registry indicated hearing would occur after summer vacation (July 12).

Legal Angle: The case raises questions about the legal status of religious institutions as juristic persons, their accountability mechanisms, and evidence preservation standards. References relevant precedents like Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple case (2011) establishing deity as legal entity.

Exam Relevance: Constitutional law (religious institutions), criminal procedure (evidence preservation), institutional accountability. UPSC may ask about the legal framework governing temple management or the concept of juristic persons in Indian law.