The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report on the investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations made to the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notices to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the temple, regarding petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed on June 13 found 70 instances of staff hiding cash during donation counting, with systems to prevent theft not enforced.Trustee Anil Mishra and general secretary Champat Rai have resigned.The trust is now recruiting a CEO, requiring candidates to be practising Hindus with at least 20 years of administrative or financial experience.The SIT's final report is due by July 22, and the state must submit the status report by July 20.The case highlights serious lapses in security protocols and financial management at the temple trust.