The Nirmohi Akhara, a prominent Hindu religious group, has filed an application before the Supreme Court of India, seeking significant changes to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This trust is responsible for managing the affairs of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Akhara is advocating for the trust to be reconstituted as a public entity, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
Call for Forensic Audit
In addition to restructuring, the Nirmohi Akhara has requested a comprehensive forensic audit of all financial and property transactions conducted by the trust’s board of trustees. This call for scrutiny follows recent scandals involving alleged misuse of donations intended for the construction and maintenance of the Ram Mandir.
Restoration of Historical Idols
The plea also seeks the reinstatement of idols originally installed in 1950 and 1982, which have been replaced by a newly consecrated idol. The Akhara argues that replacing the idols alters the spiritual essence of the site and exceeds the trust’s authority.
Backdrop of the Application
This legal move is tied to the ongoing case of M Siddiq (D) Thr LRs v. Mahant Suresh Das & Ors, which led to the landmark 2019 verdict by a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court. The verdict favored the deity Bhagwan Shri Ram Lalla Virajman and instructed the Central government to establish a trust for constructing the temple at the site.
Concerns Over Trust’s Current Structure
The Akhara’s application criticizes the current trust structure, alleging it functions more like a private body, lacking the necessary oversight for a public religious endowment. The Akhara has raised concerns about potential corrupt practices by some trust members in managing the deity’s property.
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Recent Controversies
The backdrop of this legal action includes recent controversies of alleged embezzlement involving public donations. This prompted the state government to form a Special Investigation Team. The resignations of key trust figures, such as general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, have already been accepted amid these allegations.
Issues with Trustee Nominations
The Akhara has objected to the unilateral nomination of Mahant Dinendra Das to its sole seat on the trust, arguing that the selection process was not in line with Nirmohi Akhara’s traditional practices.
Request for Ritual Adherence and Representation
Alongside these concerns, the application seeks a directive for temple rituals, including sewa, bhog, and puja, to be conducted according to the Ramanandi Sampradaya tradition. Additionally, the Akhara is calling for principles guiding trustee appointments and ensuring adequate representation on the trust board.
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The application, filed by the Akhara’s Sarpanch, Mahant Raja Ramchandracharya, who is around 102 years old, was submitted through advocate Pratibha Jain. While the plea emphasizes these changes, it clarifies that it does not aim to reopen the conclusions of the 2019 Supreme Court judgment.
