Fresh details have emerged in the alleged donation theft case linked to the Ayodhya Ram Temple. A key development is that the body managing the temple complex, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, does not answer to either the Central Government or the Uttar Pradesh Government.
The issue came into focus after information shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) before the Central Information Commission (CIC) last year resurfaced. On February 20, 2025, the MHA told the CIC that the trust takes all its decisions independently. Its permanent trustees hold full authority over its functioning. The information came to light through a Right to Information (RTI) case.
The clarification has gained significance as investigators continue to probe the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple. Police have arrested some trust officials in connection with the case, while they continue to question others.
What Did the MHA Tell the CIC?
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is an independent trust. According to the ministry, neither the Central Government nor the UP Government owns, controls, or funds the trust.
The ministry explained that the government created the trust only to implement the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict of November 9, 2019. It added that the Centre’s role ended after it formed the trust as directed by the court.
The MHA further said that neither the Centre nor the UP Government exercises financial, administrative, or operational control over the trust. The governments do not provide funds to the trust, and the trust has complete freedom to manage its affairs and make decisions about its activities.
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RTI Applicant Challenged the Trust’s Status
The matter reached the Central Information Commission after an RTI applicant sought information related to the Ram Temple Trust.
The applicant argued that the trust should qualify as a “public authority” under the RTI Act. He said the Government of India created the trust after the Supreme Court’s order. He also pointed out that the government nominated most of the original trustees under an approved scheme. In addition, around 70 acres of acquired land went to the trust.
However, both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the trust argued that these facts do not establish government ownership or control over the trust.
CIC: Trust Does Not Fall Under RTI Act
After reviewing the submissions, the Central Information Commission ruled that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust does not qualify as a “public authority” under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act.
The commission observed that the trust came into existence under the Supreme Court’s directions and not through a law passed by Parliament or a state legislature. It also noted that the government does not exercise substantial control over the trust and does not provide considerable financial support.
Based on these findings, the CIC held that the trust has no legal obligation to provide information under the RTI Act.
How the Case Reached the CIC
The dispute began in early 2024 when RTI applicant Neeraj Sharma sought the names of the Public Information Officers associated with the Ram Temple Trust. The Ministry of Home Affairs rejected his request.
Sharma then approached the Delhi High Court in February 2024. The court directed the Central Information Commission to examine the ministry’s response and determine whether the Ram Temple Trust should be treated as a public authority or an autonomous body under the RTI Act.
After reviewing the MHA’s submissions, the CIC concluded that the trust operates as an independent organisation created in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment. It does not receive financial assistance from the Centre or the Uttar Pradesh Government, nor does it function under their administrative control.
The commission therefore ruled that the trust does not come within the scope of the RTI Act and is not required to disclose information under the law.
