SIT Plans Ayodhya Temple Chargesheet by Sept. 25
SIT Plans Ayodhya Temple Chargesheet by Sept. 25
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Key Points
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The Supreme Court’s sealed-cover status report said that investigators are analyzing CCTV footage, other material evidence and software-generated donation receipts in the case.
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The court directed the jurisdictional sessions court to handle the trial proceedings once the investigation leads to prosecution.
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The statutory default-bail provision is Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure; the corresponding provision in the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita is Section 187.
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The Supreme Court’s intervention followed a series of earlier proceedings: on July 13 it sought a status report from Uttar Pradesh Police, on July 20 it asked the state about setting up an SIT, and on July 27 it took note of the four-member team headed by IGP Kiran S.
India's Supreme Court has set a September 25 deadline for a special investigation team to file its first chargesheet in the Ram temple donations embezzlement case in Ayodhya. Zee Biz reported that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court the deadline is critical because a 90-day period following the first arrest will expire then, potentially allowing the accused to claim statutory default bail if charges aren't filed.
The court-appointed team, led by IGP Kiran S and now including a forensic auditor, is analyzing CCTV footage, material evidence, and donation receipts to investigate alleged financial irregularities at the temple. The Supreme Court emphasized the need for a swift investigation and greater transparency as it reviewed the SIT's sealed status report.
Why September 25 Matters for the Investigation
The September 25 deadline isn't arbitrary. Under India's Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 167(2) allows accused persons to claim default bail if they aren't charged within 90 days of their first arrest. Zee Biz noted that the SIT must file its chargesheet before this window closes, or risk losing its hold on the accused. The new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita has a similar provision in Section 187.
Supreme Court Steps Up Oversight of the Investigation
The Supreme Court has been actively managing this case since July. On July 13, it sought a status report from Uttar Pradesh Police. By July 20, it asked the state about forming an SIT. On July 27, it took note of the four-member team led by IGP Kiran S. The court's latest move was directing that a forensic auditor be added to strengthen the investigation's financial analysis.
The court also ruled that once the investigation concludes, the jurisdictional sessions court will handle all trial proceedings. This keeps the case moving through the proper legal channels while maintaining the Supreme Court's supervisory role over the SIT's work.
What Evidence the SIT Is Examining
According to the sealed status report reviewed by the Supreme Court, the investigation team is analyzing CCTV footage from the temple complex to track movements and activities. They are also reviewing software-generated donation receipts and other material evidence to trace the alleged embezzlement of funds meant for the Ram temple.
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