The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the petitioners and other bona fide public-spirited persons to submit suggestions to the Solicitor General's office regarding the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged embezzlement of funds collected for the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana passed the order while hearing a batch of petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged misappropriation of temple construction funds.

The Court said that petitioners and other bona fide public-spirited persons could send suggestions on aspects of the case that, in their view, required a thorough investigation. The suggestions will then be forwarded to the SIT for consideration.

The Bench observed that it had no reason to doubt that the suggestions would be objectively considered.

The Supreme Court also made it clear that the SIT remains accountable to the Court and will first submit its investigation report to the Bench.

The SIT, which includes police officers as well as a forensic auditor, will submit its status report in a sealed cover. The Court said it would first examine the report and then decide whether it should be shared with the parties.

The Supreme Court has been monitoring the investigation into the alleged theft and misuse of donations collected for the construction of the Ram Mandir. Although the petitioners have sought a court-monitored CBI investigation, the Court has so far allowed the SIT to continue its probe with the assistance of a forensic auditor.

Petitioners Seek Investigation Material

During Monday's hearing, counsel appearing for one of the petitioners sought access to the investigation material, arguing that it was necessary for them to effectively assist the Court.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the request, submitting that ongoing investigation material could not be shared with persons who were not part of the investigation.

The petitioner's counsel, however, argued that the petition had been filed in the public interest and that the petitioners should be allowed to assist the Court in the matter.

The Court did not permit disclosure of the investigation material but allowed the petitioners and other bona fide persons to submit suggestions regarding the scope and quality of the SIT investigation.

The Bench was also informed that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had publicly referred to the SIT's findings even though the matter remains sub judice.

CJI Surya Kant observed that the Court could issue additional directions if it found that the SIT investigation required improvement.

The Chief Justice said that if the SIT was conducting the investigation satisfactorily, there would be no issue, but if any shortcomings were identified or qualitative improvement was necessary, the Court remained open to issuing further directions.

As the SIT investigation is still underway, the Supreme Court adjourned the matter for consideration on a future date.