Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 29: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a petition seeking an investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case, observing that the matter did not require immediate intervention.

The apex court directed that the petition be listed before a regular Bench after the court vacations for further consideration.

The plea sought a court-monitored investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. It requested that the probe be conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

While hearing the request for early listing, the court said there was no need for an urgent hearing at this stage and ordered the matter to be taken up after the vacation period.

The petitioner has alleged misappropriation in the handling of donations received by the trust and sought an independent, fair and time-bound investigation through a CBI-led SIT.

Meanwhile, all eight accused in the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case are scheduled to appear before the Special Court for Corruption Act cases in Ayodhya on Monday for judicial custody proceedings.

Security has been tightened at the Ayodhya court premises, with a heavy police deployment inside and outside the complex.

The accused were sent to jail till Monday by the remand magistrate on Friday and are expected to be sent back to judicial custody after their appearance. The Ayodhya Bar Association is also scheduled to decide whether its lawyers will represent the accused.

The case has witnessed several developments in recent weeks, with Uttar Pradesh Police conducting raids, recovering cash, jewellery and financial documents, and recording statements of individuals linked to the investigation.

Police sources said statements of around 140 people are expected to be recorded as part of the ongoing probe.