New Delhi, 📅 July 27, 2026 : The Supreme Court of India on Monday was informed that the Uttar Pradesh Government has constituted a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
While taking note of the State Government’s action, the apex court directed that a forensic auditor be added as the fifth member of the SIT to strengthen the investigation. The Court also instructed the team to submit its first status report within two weeks.
SIT Constituted Following Supreme Court’s Suggestion
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh Government, that the SIT was constituted through a government notification issued on July 25, 2026, following observations made by the Supreme Court.
According to the State Government, the SIT is headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kiran S.
Composition of the SIT
The four-member investigation team currently includes:
- IGP Kiran S – Head of the SIT
- One Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-rank officer
- One Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
- One Additional Superintendent of Police (Additional SP)
The Supreme Court directed that a forensic auditor be inducted into the team to ensure greater financial scrutiny and transparency during the investigation.
Court Emphasises Fair and Transparent Probe
During the hearing, the Bench stressed that the investigation should be conducted fairly, impartially, and without delay.
“Let the SIT give its report. All remedial steps to ensure transparency will be taken. We are on a qualitative investigation of the incident,” the Bench observed while postponing further hearing for two weeks.
Chief Justice Surya Kant also remarked:
“We are focused on having a fair, speedy, impartial investigation.”
Background
The matter came before the Supreme Court after allegations surfaced regarding the misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
On July 20, 2026, the apex court had asked the Uttar Pradesh Government to consider constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations.
Following that direction, the State Government established the SIT on July 25, and the Court has now sought a detailed progress report within the next two weeks.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether any financial irregularities occurred and whether further legal action is warranted.
