CJI Surya Kant Bench to Hear Ram Temple Donation Irregularities

The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant-led Supreme Court bench will hear petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities regarding donations and financial management of the Ram Mandir trust in Ayodhya. The pleas also seek court-monitored inquiry, record preservation, and transparency in trust operations.

Background: Ram Mandir, inaugurated in January 2024, has received substantial donations. Petitions have raised concerns about donation utilisation, trust governance, and alleged financial irregularities. This represents potential conflict between religious autonomy and state accountability.

Key Issues: (1) Transparency in religious trust finances; (2) CBI's jurisdiction in religious institution matters; (3) Court's monitoring authority over trust governance; (4) Balance between religious freedom and public accountability.

Legal Framework: Religious trusts operate under Trusts Act, 1882 and various state endowment acts. SC has previously intervened in temple trust matters (Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Jagannath Temple cases) when public funds or governance issues arise.

Why it Matters: Sets precedent for monitoring religious institution finances; raises questions on institutional autonomy vs. transparency; involves high-profile religious dispute during sensitive period.

Exam Angle: UPSC Mains (Constitutional law, public interest litigation, judicial review), Prelims (trust law, SC jurisdiction). Connect with: Previous temple trust cases, SC's role in PIL cases, separation of religion and administration.