Prakash Mehra
Special Desk
Lucknow: The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has refused to grant an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an investigation into the alleged misuse of offerings and financial irregularities related to donations received at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. On Monday, a vacation bench comprising Justice Pankaj Bhatia and Justice Amitabh Kumar Rai observed that there were no extraordinary or urgent circumstances warranting the matter to be heard on a priority basis ahead of its scheduled turn.
Request for Immediate Hearing
Petitioner Mohit Ashok had requested the court for an immediate hearing. In response, the bench stated that a large number of cases are already pending before the court and there was no sufficient basis to accord special priority to this petition. During the proceedings, the bench also orally remarked that the state government had already taken cognizance of the matter and was taking necessary steps. Therefore, no immediate judicial intervention appeared necessary.
Alleged Lack of Transparency and Accountability in Management
The petition seeks an independent investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations and offerings made by devotees at the Ram Temple, as well as alleged financial irregularities. It also calls for a special audit of the temple’s financial transactions by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
According to the petitioner, there has been a lack of transparency and accountability in the management of the temple funds, making a judicial inquiry necessary. However, the High Court clarified that its refusal to grant an urgent hearing should not be construed as any comment on the merits of the petition. The matter will now be heard in accordance with the court’s regular listing and scheduling procedure.
